Optical System Design Method Based on Rotating Risley Prism

As a type of beam steering element, the Risley prism has found extensive applications in the field of optics. A single Risley prism can deflect incident light beams with a constant deviation angle, while a rotating multi-Risley prism system enables arbitrary beam deflection through relative rotation of multiple prisms. This study proposed the design methodology of optical systems incorporating Risley prisms for imaging applications. To realize a scanning optical system based on rotating Risley prisms, we start with the theoretical model of optical axis deflection induced by Risley prisms, explore the corresponding optical system design approaches, and develop the associated optical configurations. Through the proposed design methodology, we successfully implement a large field-of-view (60°) and broadband scanning optical system operating across visible (400 nm-1000 nm) and mid-infrared (3 μm–5 μm) spectral ranges. This design demonstrates significant potential in applications such as space target detection and infrared countermeasures, substantially expanding the application scope of Risley prisms in optical engineering.