When designing a zoom lens, a good starting design is crucial. Several unique thin lens starting designs can be efficiently generated with particle swarm optimization and k-means clustering.
Gradient-index Alvarez lenses, a new type of variable power component, are applied to the design of a zoom visual scope. The axially fixed Alvarez lenses allow for a reduction in system Gradient-index Alvarez lenses (GALs), a recently introduced variable power component, are highlighted in this work. A zoom visual scope is designed using GALs rather than with the conventional approach of longitudinally translating, fixed power elements. The resultant design achieves a significant reduction in system length compared with a conventional zoom scope. A secondary design is also demonstrated using only commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) homogeneous elements.
A remarkable set of designs is found when considering imaging between the vertices of two equi-curvature mirrors. An infinite number of solutions exist for different numbers of reflections in a multi-pass configuration. A surprising closed-form expression is obtained that provides the necessary mirror spacings for any number of reflections. Then, the aberration makeup of these systems is analyzed. It is found that all primary aberrations except for distortion can be fully corrected.
A new type of prescribed illumination optic is presented that leverages newly available freeform gradient-index (F-GRIN) media. Using F-GRIN to impart freeform optical in fluence, only plane-parallel surfaces are required, and by additive manufacturing, designs can directly incorporate gradient discontinuities. The design process is surveyed, and several designs are demonstrated for generating both binary and grayscale illumination targets from a point source. Fabricated designs are presented for the first time, verifying that F-GRIN optics present a flexible, new way of generating a prescribed illumination distribution.
Rudolf Kingslake championed the importance of lens design fundamentals and, with the introduction of computer- aided design, was wary of what the future held for theory. The transition from ray tracing taking minutes to taking fractions of a second has changed the way lens design is taught and approached. Today's powerful computational tools have largely supplanted fundamentals, yet the synergy of thoughtfully combining theory with numerical capacity is what leads to the greatest insight, most efficiently. Recently uncovered materials of Professor Kingslake's highlight this fact and suggest how lens design's past has enduring importance today.
Gradient-index (GRIN) optics are commonly optimized with pre-determined materials, but the material choices limit the solution space of optimized index profiles. If the dispersive properties of the materials generating GRIN can be optimized, the performance of the optics can be further improved. This paper proposes a material concentration-based GRIN representation to replace the widely-used index-based representation, allowing simultaneous optimization of materials and the GRIN profile. The paper also proposed an efficient iterative algorithm capable of calculating the refractive indices, Abbe numbers and partial dispersions of material pairs from the optimized GRIN profiles. The new representation and the algorithm are used to optimize an F/2.5 GRIN singlet to diffraction-limited performance over the visible spectrum.
Annular folded lenses (AFLs) offer high resolution monochromatic imaging in a low telephoto ratio package. Monolithic designs offer advantages but are inflicted with chromatic aberrations. Applying freeform gradient- index media enables more advanced, diffraction-limited monochromatic AFL designs. By optimizing the GRIN profile along with its dispersion, chromatic aberrations can also be corrected, granting high performing poly- chromatic designs.
KEYWORDS: Zoom lenses, Monte Carlo methods, Lens design, Data transmission, Ray tracing, Optical engineering, Chemical elements, Imaging systems, Relays, Packaging
Anamorphic zoom lenses, used extensively in the motion picture industry, pose a significant design challenge, combining the difficulties of designing a high-performance zoom lens with those of designing an anamorphic lens. As a result, considerable emphasis must be placed on the first-order configuration of the starting point design before interfacing with optical design software. A Monte Carlo search method is introduced for generating first-order designs of anamorphic zoom lenses based on two different configurations. The obtained designs possess valid zoom motions and ray trace successfully while satisfying a set of system specifications. This search method offers a time effective and illustrative way of exploring the global solution space of first-order designs for use as starting points on the way to a thick lens, color-corrected final design. The results of such a Monte Carlo search are presented for two types of anamorphic zoom configurations, and a design example is demonstrated.
The UNESCO International Day of Light, 16 May, serves to highlight the critical and diverse roles that light plays in our daily lives. Light has specific meaning to each local community, and finding that which has the greatest impact can be challenging. In the proper context, local festivals serve as a fertile ground for light appreciation, bringing together diverse local groups. We provide the devices for exploration of colorimetry, imaging, and color matching demonstrations at an otherwise social local festival. Methods of assembly and planning for the multi-day display are outlined.
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