A Comparison Between Optimised Spheric And Aspheric Optical Systems For The Thermal Infrared

Philip J. Rogers

doi:10.1117/12.956634

1 December 1978 A Comparison Between Optimised Spheric And Aspheric Optical Systems For The Thermal Infrared

Philip J. Rogers

Proceedings Volume 0147, Computer-Aided Optical Design; (1978) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.956634
Event: 22nd Annual Technical Symposium, 1978, San Diego, United States

Abstract

Modern computers and optimisation programs have made the design of unconventional optical systems such as those containing aspheric surfaces relatively straightforward. For thermal infrared systems, where materials are expensive and transmission important, there is an understandable feeling amongst designers that aspherics should be employed, provided that their use results in a reduction in the number of lens elements required for a given system. Much can be achieved with spheric optics however; indeed it is arguable that the use of only spherical optics represents a greater design challenge. Therefore, considering their relative difficulty of manufacture and testing, the choice of aspheric rather than spheric surfaces requires some justification. This paper gives a summary of the results of a short investigation into optimised spheric and aspheric optical systems of comparable performance for use in the 8 to 13 micron bandwidth. Applications covered are:- pyrovidicon objectives of high aperture (N.A. = 0.78); catadioptric objectives; and afocal telescopes.

Citation Download Citation

Philip J. Rogers "A Comparison Between Optimised Spheric And Aspheric Optical Systems For The Thermal Infrared", Proc. SPIE 0147, Computer-Aided Optical Design, (1 December 1978); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.956634

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