Catadioptric optical system

Details Catadioptric optical system Catadioptric optical system

1999-04-05

2000-08-01

Spyrou, Cassandra

Optical: systems and elements

Compound lens system

With curved reflective imaging element

359727, G02B 1700

Patent

active

060975377

ABSTRACT:
A catadioptric optical system (10, 110) capable of forming an image of an object. The system comprises a first optical axis (Z.sub.1) having a first end (12) and a second end (14), with a concave mirror (M.sub.C) arranged at the first end. A second surface (P.sub.2) orthogonal to the first optical axis is provided at the second end. A reflective surface (M) is arranged between the concave mirror and the second surface. A first imaging optical system (A) comprising a first plurality of lenses (L.sub.1 -L.sub.4) is arranged between the reflective surface and the concave mirror. A second imaging optical system (B) comprising a second plurality of lenses (L.sub.5 -L.sub.9) is arranged between the reflective surface and the second surface. The system further includes a second optical axis (Z.sub.2) intersecting the first optical axis at the reflective surface and having a first surface (P.sub.1) disposed along and orthogonal to the secondary optical axis. The first surface is divided into first and second regions (30 and 32) by a line of intersection Q.sub.1, between the first surface and a plane containing the first optical axis and the second optical axis. The object is arranged in one of the first and second regions of the first surface. The image is formed in one of first and second regions (36 and 38) of the second surface formed by a line of intersection Q.sub.2 between the second surface and a plane containing the first optical axis and the second optical axis. Alternatively, the first and second regions of the first and second surface are formed by a line of intersection between the first and second surface and a plane orthogonal to the first optical axis that includes the second optical axis. Also, an intermediate image (C) of the object is formed in the vicinity of the reflective surface. The system also preferably satisfies a number of design conditions.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4779966 (1988-10-01), Friedman
patent: 5289312 (1994-02-01), Hashimoto et al.
patent: 5323263 (1994-06-01), Schoenmakers
patent: 5689377 (1997-11-01), Takahashi
patent: 5691802 (1997-11-01), Takahashi
patent: 5835275 (1994-02-01), Takahashi et al.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Catadioptric optical system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Catadioptric optical system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Catadioptric optical system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-669634