Segmented axial gradient lens

Details Segmented axial gradient lens Segmented axial gradient lens

1995-02-27

1996-07-30

Epps, Georgia Y.

Optical: systems and elements

Lens

With graded refractive index

359669, 359670, G02B 300, G02B 1310

Patent

active

055417744

ABSTRACT:
A segmented axial gradient lens and a lens system using such lenses are provided. The lens has an optical axis and is composed of a plurality of segments. The interfaces between the segments are either planes inclined at an angle to the optical axis, wedges or cones. At least one segment has a predetermined axial index of refraction profile while other segments may have either a predetermined homogeneous index of refraction or a predetermined axial index of refraction profile. The interface geometry and the index of refraction profiles are chosen to provide lenses with desirable optical properties from segments having only simple interfaces. Spherical and cylindrical aberrations can be reduced or eliminated by appropriate choice of the index of refraction profile even for a lens fabricated entirely from segments with flat surfaces. The front and rear surfaces of the lens assembly can also be ground and polished into spherical or cylindrical shapes. The index profiles can then be chosen to augment the optical power of the lens assembly as well as to reduce the aberrations. In another embodiment, the segmented axial gradient lens provides a unified anamorphic lens system by mounting two axial gradient lenses with interfaces rotated 90 degrees from each other via a homogeneous segment. This provides the same functionality as two separate cylindrical lenses mounted at right angles to each other. In still another embodiment, two segmented axial gradient lenses are mounted in a lens system with their orientations rotated 90 degrees about the optical axis from each other to provide independent manipulation of a beam in two transverse orthogonal directions.

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