Thermal condensate reducer for optical devices

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and system to overcome and eliminate the effects of condensation contamination of optical surfaces that are induced by radiative cooling. The invention counteracts the effects of radiative cooling on optical surfaces and maintains an optical system within a very tight limit to the ambient temperature by utilizing a resistive heater element that is in contact with the optical components subject to condensation. In thermal contact with this optical component is a solid-state precision temperature sensor. In addition, there is a matching solid-state precision temperature in thermal contact with the ambient air but thermally isolated from the optical element. Signals from these two sensors are applied to a comparator that functions to generate a data signal when the optical surface temperature is less than the ambient or reference temperature. This data signal is used to activate a solid-state power switch that applies a voltage to a resistive heating element. An offset may also be applied to the reference temperature sensor allowing compensation for the thermal resistance of the system comprised of the optical component, optical component attachment heater and temperature sensor.