Work

Exit pupil quality analysis and optimization in freeform afocal telescope systems

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Afocal telescopes are often used as foreoptics to existing imaging systems to allow for application flexibility. To properly combine an afocal telescope with an existing imaging system, the exit pupil of the afocal telescope and the entrance pupil of the imaging system must be coincident. Additionally, the exit pupil of the afocal telescope must be well-formed; that is, it must be the correct size and shape to mitigate pupil-matching challenges. This work introduces processes for designing freeform afocal telescopes with an emphasis on understanding how to analyze and control the exit pupil quality of such systems. The included 3-mirror design examples demonstrate the advantages of using freeform surfaces in afocal systems and quantify the tradeoffs required to improve the exit pupil quality.

Source: Optics Express

DOI: 10.1364/oe.496444

Authors: Aaron Bauer, Chi Zhang, Jannick P. Rolland

Language: English

Topic: Advanced optical system design

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,270

Funder: National Science Foundation

Awards: Phase II IUCRC at University of Rochester: Center for Freeform Optics, Phase II IUCRC at University of North Carolina, Charlotte: Center for Freeform Optics (CeFO), I/UCRC: Collaborative Research: Center for Freeform Optics, I/UCRC: Collaborative Research: Center for Freeform Optics