Gradient refractive index lens elements

Details Gradient refractive index lens elements Gradient refractive index lens elements

1995-08-10

1997-04-01

Sugarman, Scott J.

Optical: systems and elements

Lens

With graded refractive index

G02B 300

Patent

active

056172524

ABSTRACT:
A lens element (40) is formed from a monolithic unit (46) having two sections (46A and 46B) aligned on an optical axis. A selected one of the sections has an axial gradient refractive index, and the other has a homogeneous refractive index. A first surface 42 is generated one section and a second surface is generated on the other. The axial gradient index material may be selected such that third order spherical aberration of the element is zero. The axial gradient index material may be selected such that similarly constructed elements having shape factors between about 0 and 2.0 also have zero third order spherical aberration. Another element (20) may be formed entirely from an axially graded refractive index material. The refractive index preferably varies as a non-linear function of at least distance along the optical axis. The refractive index function and index change may be selected such that a selected third order aberration is zero or some constant value over a wide range of shape factor. An element (98) is formed from a material having an axial gradient dispersion. Shape factor and dispersion gradient may be selected such that the element is achromatic.

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patent: 5239413 (1993-08-01), Kawano
"Gradients and their applications", B. D. Guenther SPIE vol. 935 pp. 95-104 (1988).
"Recent Progress in Gradient-Index Optics", S Houde-Walter, SPIE vol. 935 pp. 2-24 (1988).
"Third Order Aberrations of Inhomogeneous Lenses", P. J. Sands J. Opt. Soc. Am. 60, 11, pp. 1436-1443 Sep. 1970.
"The Control of Gradient Index Profile for Gradient Index Glasses of Macro Size and Large .DELTA.n for a Varifocal Slide Projector Lens", (SPIE Publication), Xu et al.
"Inhomogeneous Lenses IV Aberrations of Lenses with Axial Index Dimensions", P. J. Sands J. Opt. Soc. Am 61, 8, pp. 1086-1091 Aug. 1971.
"Progress in Gradient Index Glasses of Macro Dimensions and Large .DELTA.n" Blakenbecler et al. OSA GRIN Conference Spain 1992.

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