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Sharp-Eyed Kiwi

An advanced high-resolution lens developed by a New Zealand scientist for use on satellites or in astronomy has potential for multi-million dollar sales worldwide.

Invented by DSIR scientist David Beach, the Kiwi-star lens is ideal for astronomy or low light imaging because of its speed, sharpness and wide-angle coverage.

The system is also ideal for remote sensing from orbit, and has many surveillance and military applications. On a clear, moonless night, the system would allow someone to read a car number plate up to a kilometre away.

Inspiration for its de-velopment came from the latest approach of Halley's Comet in 1986. Beach's interest in viewing the comet made him aware of the need for an instrument of this size and capability.

Kiwistar's full potential is achieved when it is attached to a solid state imaging detector -- similar to an ultra-sensitive video camera. The camera takes over where a telescope leaves off, Beach says. It gives a good image on a monitor of things the eye is quite incapable of seeing.

"Used in astronomy, the camera will have real educational possibilities. You'll be able to look into a clear night sky and get an interesting picture within a couple of seconds," says Beach.

Modern video technology has the potential to record very sharp images extremely quickly, but conventional optics have not been able to provide both high corner-to-corner sharpness and high speed at reasonable cost.

Beach believes Kiwistar achieves this combination. The system's resolution is even better than that of the most advanced imaging detector. No other optical system can offer this standard of performance at speeds faster than f/1 and with apertures ranging from 150mm to one metre.

A patent is currently being applied for. Following this, the designs for the lens will be offered to specialist optical manufacturers overseas for development and production.