Optical element for efficient sensing at large angles of incidence

An optical element is provided that may be used for collecting optical radiation incident at large angles of incidence. The element may include a grating window formed of grating elements that may collect large incident angle radiation and reflect that radiation, e.g., under total internal reflection in a substantially normal direction. A lens or lens array may be used to collect the internally reflected radiation and focus that radiation to a detector. Example detectors include infrared detectors. The element may be formed to collect, reflect, and redirect optical radiation incident at angles above 45° as measured from a surface normal to a detector oriented substantially at normal incidence. The detected signal from the optical element may be used to control systems within an aircraft or other vehicle capable of flight. In another application, the optical element may also be used to project optical radiation at the same large angles by replacing the detector elements with light sources, such as light emitting diodes.