This PDF file contains the front matter associated with SPIE Proceedings Volume 9578 including the Title Page, Copyright information, Table of Contents, Introduction, and Conference Committee listing.

Refractive optics has evolved and incorporated new elements in optical systems every day, such as conventional lenses, tunable lenses, GRIN lenses, diffractive lenses, intraocular lenses, etc. Some of these elements are reported in the literature together with different proposed models of the human eye. In this work, optical properties of some of these lenses will be studied, and simulations of their behavior will be done in order to analyze which one is better for imaging process. Such lenses will be incorporated in an optical system that mimics the human eye behavior. Analysis and obtained results are reported, as well as the proposed optical system. Finally, we present the conclusions of the work.

Paraxial optics is generally regarded as yielding ideal spherical wavefronts. The ideal point spread function for a circular aperture with an ideal spherical wavefront is an Airy disk. In paraxial optics a small rotation of the exiting polarization state occurs off-axis in the direction perpendicular to the meridional plane. This is a linear form of skew aberration. The resulting apodization of the co and crossed-polarized components in the exit pupil modify the point spread function (PSF) of paraxial optics. In the cross-polarized term, the pupil amplitude varies linearly through a value of zero along the meridional plane, like the function f(x,y) = k x. The Fourier transform of this pupil function is the Fourier transform of the derivative of the Airy disk, which results in a cross-polarized PSF component much larger than the Airy disk. The cause of this polarization rotation, known as skew aberration, is related to the parallel transport of the polarization state through the optical system along skew rays, and to the Berry phase. These cross-polarized PSF components, which although very small in paraxial optics, are nevertheless not zero. Since they occur within paraxial optics they are thus intrinsically interesting. These polarization effects are not related to the Fresnel equations or to any coating–induced polarization but occur in a nonpolarizing or polarizing optical systems.

The fastest, most robust, general technique for non-sequentially ray-tracing a large class of imaging and non-imaging optical systems is by geometric modeling with algebraic (i.e. polynomial) implicit surfaces. The basic theory of these surfaces with special attention to optimizing their precise intersection with a ray (even at grazing incidence) is outlined for an admittedly limited software implementation. On a couple of “tame” examples, a 64-bit Windows 7 version is significantly faster than the fastest commercial design software (all multi-threaded). Non-sequential ray-surface interactions approaching 30M/sec are achieved on a 12-core 2.67 GHz Mac Pro desktop computer. For a more exotic example of a 6th degree Wood’s horn beam dump (light trap), a 32-bit Windows single thread version traces rays nearly 4 times faster than the commercial ASAP software’s implicit algebraic surface and over 13 times faster than its equivalent NURBS surface. However, implicit surfaces are foreign to most CAD systems and thus unfortunately, don’t easily fit into a modern workflow.

The geometrical and diffraction point-spread functions of an optical imaging system have been reviewed and compared in the past [V. N. Mahajan, “Comparison of geometrical and diffraction point-spread functions,” SPIE Proc. 3729, 434-445 (1999)]. In this paper, we review and compare its corresponding optical transfer functions. While the truth lies with the diffraction OTF, it is considered easier and quicker to calculate the geometrical OTF, especially for large aberrations. We briefly describe the theory of the two OTFs, and explore the range of spatial frequencies and the magnitude of the primary aberrations over which the geometrical OTF may provide a reasonable approximation of the diffraction OTF.

High definition and magnification rigid endoscope is a significant equipment in the examination and surgery. In this paper, the design of a high definition (HD) rigid endoscope is presented with a FOV of 70°. The entrance pupil is 0.3 mm, achieved for the first time to our best knowledge. For the fabricated prototype, the theoretical resolution is 22.3 lp/mm at an object distance of 20 mm, the depth of field (DOF) is 115 mm and the stray light is eliminated effectively. The viewing angle of the developed endoscope is zero. However, the endoscope with non-zero viewing angle is more popular in some conditions, we present two designs with non-zero viewing direction for better observation and diagnosis of lesions on inner walls of organs and tissues.

Modern cine lenses require a high degree of aberration correction over a large and ever expanding image size. At low to medium volume production levels, these highly corrected designs also require a workable tolerance set and compensation scheme for successful manufacture. In this paper we discuss the design and manufacture of cine lenses with reference to current designs both internal and in the patent literature and some experience in design, tolerancing and manufacturing these lenses in medium volume production.

An ultra-small telecentric lens with sub-millimeter thickness is proposed. This lens with 0.2 numerical aperture and high field of view is a good candidate to be used in multi-aperture super resolution imagers. Point spread function and the telecentricity of the lens is extracted numerically and measured experimentally. The ray-optics simulation results show nearly diffraction limited performance for the lens.

We describe the design of a high-throughput pushbroom imaging spectrometer and telescope system that is capable of Landsat swath and resolution while providing better than 10 nm per pixel spectral resolution. The design is based on a 3200 x 480 element x 18 μm pixel size focal plane array, two of which are utilized to cover the full swath. At an optical speed of F/1.8, the system is the fastest proposed to date to our knowledge. The utilization of only two spectrometer modules fed from the same telescope reduces system complexity while providing a solution within achievable detector technology. Predictions of complete system response are shown. Also, it is shown that detailed ghost analysis is a requirement for this type of spectrometer and forms an essential part of a complete design.

Three Mirror Anastigmat (TMA) systems including both on-axis and off-axis configurations have been widely used in space applications. In some designs, to correct for high order aberrations and realize large FOV, freeform surfaces are used to provide more design freedoms. This trend brings challenges to optical manufacturing and testing community. Since testing is critical to make high accurate aspheres and freeform surfaces, the paper addressed Computer Generated Hologram (CGH) design and implement to measure large freeform mirrors. In particular, CGH assisted alignment procedure for TMA telescopes were discussed in detail.

Freeform optical shapes or optical surfaces that are designed with non-symmetric features are gaining popularity with lens designers and optical system integrators. Tolerances on a freeform optical design influence the optical fabrication process. Case studies and soft tolerance limits for easier fabrication will be discussed. This paper will also give a high level overview of a freeform optical fabrication process that includes generation, high speed VIBE polishing, sub-aperture figure correction and testing of freeform surfaces.

The cornea contributes substantially to the performance of the human eye and obtaining the shape of the anterior corneal surface is crucial for ophthalmic applications such as the manufacture of contact lenses and visual laser correction. In this direction, there exist a large amount of theoretical models which describe the shape of the anterior corneal surface. A model of the anterior corneal surface using high-order aspherics has been previously reported in the literature, and one of the main features of this model is that it has been shown to accurately reproduce the clinical data. In this work we have designed a refractive surface with variable asphericity adopting the model mentioned above by means of finite-element software, and once the design was obtained we proceeded to manufacture the optical surface made of a polymer known as PDMS. Also, an interferometric analysis with a Mach-Zehnder interferometer was performed in order to obtain its wavefront aberration function. The main application of this optical surface is to be used as a substitute of a corneal surface within an optomechanical system to mimic the performance of the human eye.

Conventional multichannel imaging systems comprise of many optical channels having similar imaging properties, namely field-of-view (FOV) and angular resolution/magnification. We demonstrated that the different optical channels can be designed such that each optical channel captures a different FOV and angular resolution compared to its neighboring channels. We designed and experimentally demonstrated a three-channel multiresolution imaging system where the first optical channel has the narrowest FOV (7°) and highest angular resolution (0.0096°) and the third optical channel has the widest FOV (80°) and lowest angular resolution (0.078°)1. The second optical channel has intermediate properties. The performance of the demonstrated three-channel imaging system however was affected by chromatic aberrations as it was designed for a single wavelength of 587.6 nm. The first optical channel was largely influenced by longitudinal chromatic aberration while the third channel by lateral chromatic aberration. Therefore, we have replaced the aspherical refractive lenses by hybrid lenses, which contain diffractive structures on top of their refractive surfaces, in the three-channel multiresolution imaging system to reduce its chromatic aberrations. The performance of the three channels with hybrid lenses is compared with those of the corresponding channels without hybrid lenses. The longitudinal color aberration of the first optical channel has been reduced from 1.7 mm to 0.2 mm; whereas the lateral color aberration of the third optical channel has been reduced from 250 μm to 14 μm. In conclusion, the hybrid lenses have reduced the chromatic aberrations of the three channels and extended the operating spectral range of the imaging system in the visible wavelength range.

Using the Cryogenic High Accuracy Refraction Measuring System (CHARMS) at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, we have made the first cryogenic measurements of absolute refractive index for Ohara L-BBH2 glass to enable the design of a prism for the Coronagraphic High Angular Resolution Imaging Spectrograph (CHARIS) at the Subaru telescope. L-BBH2 is employed in CHARIS’s prism design for improving the spectrograph’s dispersion uniformity. Index measurements were made at temperatures from 110 to 305 K at wavelengths from 0.46 to 3.16 μm. We report absolute refractive index (n), dispersion (dn/dλ), and thermo-optic coefficient (dn/dT) for this material along with estimated single measurement uncertainties as a function of wavelength and temperature. We provide temperature-dependent Sellmeier coefficients based on our data to allow accurate interpolation of index to other wavelengths and temperatures within applicable ranges. This paper also speaks of the challenges in measuring index for a material which is not available in sufficient thickness to fabricate a typical prism for measurement in CHARMS, the tailoring of the index prism design that allowed these index measurements to be made, and the remarkable results obtained from that prism for this practical infrared material.

The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is an explorer-class planet finder whose principal goal is to detect small planets with bright host stars in the solar neighborhood. The TESS payload consists of four identical cameras with seven lens elements, each made from various Ohara glass. The successful implementation of both the panchromatic and the thermal aspect of these lens assemblies requires accurate knowledge of the thermal and spectral dependence of the refractive index in the wavelength and temperature ranges of operation. Hence, this paper reports measurements of the refractive index for the following Ohara glasses over the wavelength range 0.42 – 1.10 μm and temperature range ~120 – 300 K: S-LAH55, S-LAH55V, S-LAH59, S-LAM3, S-NBM51, S-NPH2, S-PHM52, and S-TIH14. The measurements were performed using the Cryogenic High Accuracy Refraction Measuring System (CHARMS) facility at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Dense coverage of absolute refractive indices of these glasses over the aforementioned wavelength and temperature ranges allowed accurate determination of spectral thermo-optic coefficients (dn/dT) and spectral dispersions (dn/dλ) as a function of temperature. A comparison of measured, temperature-dependent indices to literature values is presented for S-PHM52 and S-TIH14. A comparison to Ohara’s catalog indices at room temperature is presented for all of the materials.

Using the Cryogenic High Accuracy Refraction Measuring System (CHARMS) at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, we measured absolute refractive indices at temperatures from 100 to 310 K at wavelengths from 0.42 to 3.6 microns for CaF₂, Suprasil 3001 fused silica, and S-FTM16 glass in support of lens designs for the Near Infrared Spectrometer and Photometer (NISP) for ESA’s Euclid dark energy mission. We report absolute refractive index, dispersion (dn/dλ), and thermo-optic coefficient (dn/dT) for these materials. In this study, materials from different melts were procured to understand index variability in each material. We provide temperature-dependent Sellmeier coefficients based on our data to allow accurate interpolation of index to other wavelengths and temperatures. For calcium fluoride (CaF₂) and S-FTM16, we compare our current measurements with CHARMS measurements of these materials made in the recent past for other programs. We also compare Suprasil 3001’s indices to those of other forms of fused silica we have measured in CHARMS.

Recent developments in blue emitting laser diodes enable attractive solutions in projection applications using phosphors for efficient light conversion with very high luminance levels. Various commercially available projectors incorporating this technology have entered the market in the past years. While luminous flux levels are still comparable to lamp-based systems, lifetime expectations of classical lamp systems are exceeded by far. OSRAM GmbH has been exploring this technology for several years and has introduced the PHASER® brand name (Phosphor + laser). State-of-the-art is a rotating phosphor wheel excited by blue laser diodes to deliver the necessary primary colors, either sequentially for single-imager projection engines, or simultaneously for 3-panel systems. The PHASER® technology enables flux and luminance scaling, which allows for smaller imagers and therefore cost-efficient projection solutions. The resulting overall efficiency and ANSI lumen specification at the projection screen of these systems is significantly determined by the target color gamut and the light transmission efficiency of the projection system. With increasing power and flux level demand, thermal issues, especially phosphor conversion related, dominate the opto-mechanical system design requirements. These flux levels are a great challenge for all components of an SSL-projection system (SSL:solid-state lighting). OSRAM´s PHASER® light engine platform is constantly expanded towards higher luminous flux levels as well as higher luminance levels for various applications. Recent experiments employ blue laser pump powers of multiple 100 Watts to excite various phosphors resulting in luminous flux levels of more than 40 klm.

The first and most essential capability a visible scene projection system must have is low background and high contrast during dynamic simulation. A complex visible scene projection system was developed to meet the above requirements. The complex visible scene projection system mainly consists of the optical fiber subsystem, LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) subsystem, multiple focal plane coupler and the collimation objective. The design and build and details of the system characterization of a prototype complex visible scene projector were summarized.

In this paper, we present a luminaire design with anti-glare and energy-saving effects for sports hall. Compared with traditional lamps using in a badminton court, the average illuminance on the ground of the proposed LED luminaire is enhanced about 300%. Besides, the uniformity is obviously enhanced and improved. The switch-on speed of lighting in sports hall is greatly reduced from 5-10 minutes to 1 second. The simulation analysis and the corresponding experiment results are demonstrated.

In this study, the optical performance of a 90 degree prism working in the mid-wave infrared region with the purpose of carrying a beam of light from one optical system to another in an unconventional way is discussed. First, a group of mirrors is considered as a design alternative to lower the overall cost of the system. However, using mirrors greatly increases the diameter of the beam due to the rays coming from wide field of view angles. Another drawback of mirrors is that having separate mirrors requires precise alignment for the system to work at full performance which is difficult for the given application. However, these alignment issues are not valid for a single piece prism. Therefore, a single piece prism is the preferred option and has been taken into account in this study. Material selection is important, especially in the mid-wave infrared region where the index of refraction differs greatly from material to material. Silicon and Germanium are the materials preferred because of their high index of refraction and transmission characteristics. Aside from optical properties, these materials are also considered in terms of manufacturability. Also, options for the coatings to be applied to reflecting surfaces of the prism are discussed with regard to the transmission loss within the system. In order to have total internal reflection within a prism, coatings must be chosen carefully to handle transmission loss at the reflecting surfaces. All of the system parameters are examined using sequential and non-sequential modes of ZEMAX OpticStudio software.

White light LEDs become more and more important in display and lighting in various structures. Here a new modeling algorithm for phosphor-converted white light-emitting diodes (pcW-LEDs) is proposed, aiming to perform accurate simulation for color appearance, where potentially enabling optical designers to remove yellowish/bluish spots in LED lighting. The proposed modeling method is applied to simulate a pcW-LED with a hemi spherical lens. The simulation accurately predicts the blue and yellow light distribution. The model is further verified by applying a total internal reflector lens to the pcW-LED. In the midfield region, the blue and yellow light distribution exhibit large variations as the observation distance changed; this varying light pattern for both the blue and yellow lights can be accurately predicted by using the proposed model. The well-established optical model should facilitate designing a pcW-LED that features high-quality illumination and enhances color uniformity.

Our work is focused on the problem of a theoretical analysis of imaging properties and an initial optical design of a three-element zoom optical system for laser beam expanders using lenses with a tunable focal length. Equations that enable to calculate basic paraxial properties and parameters of such optical systems are derived. Finally, the derived equations are applied on an example of calculation of parameters of the three-element zoom system for the laser beam expander.

In microscopy, the depth of field (DOF) is limited by the physical characteristics of imaging systems. Imaging a scene with the all the field of view in focus can be an impossible task to achieve. In this paper, metal samples are inspected on multiple focal planes by moving the microscope stage along the z − axis and for each z plane, an image is digitalized. Through digital image processing, an image with all the focused regions is generated from a set of multi focus images. The proposed fusion algorithm gives a single sharp image. The merger scheme is simple, fast and virtually free of artifacts or false color. Experimental fusion results are shown.

High-efficiency diffusers play important roles in modern optical industry. The applications include back-light of television, uniform lighting, glare suppression, lighting decoration, and so on. In this paper, we develop optical volume diffusion plate using polycarbonate (PC) plate doped with silicon dioxide (SiO2) micro particle. The scattering distribution of diffusers is an important factor in the lighting design. Commercial detectors often measure the bidirectional scattering distribution function (BSDF) by a scanning and time-consuming method. We have proposed screen imaging synthesis (SIS) system in 2012, and it can easily measure the bidirectional transmittance distribution function (BTDF). In this paper, the optimized formula is presented to correct the vignetting effect and scattering effect caused by the screen. A quasi-Lambertian screen is made to enhance precision. Finally, we combine the SIS system with the rotation controller, and a semi-automatic measuring machine is built. The SIS generation can measure BSDF of the samples precisely and easily. In order to reduce glare problems and design a luminaire with uniform light distribution, we usually use diffusers to modulate the luminaire.

A Fundus Camera for ophthalmology is a high definition device which needs to meet low light illumination of the human retina, high resolution in the retina and reflection free image¹. Those constraints make its optical design very sophisticated, but the most difficult to comply with is the reflection free illumination and the final alignment due to the high number of non coaxial optical components in the system. Reflection of the illumination, both in the objective and at the cornea, mask image quality, and a poor alignment make the sophisticated optical design useless. In this work we developed a totally axial optical system for a non-midriatic Fundus Camera. The illumination is performed by a LED ring, coaxial with the optical system and composed of IR of visible LEDs. The illumination ring is projected by the objective lens in the cornea. The Objective, LED illuminator, CCD lens are coaxial making the final alignment easily to perform. The CCD + capture lens module is a CCTV camera with autofocus and Zoom built in, added to a 175 mm focal length doublet corrected for infinity, making the system easily operated and very compact.