Gradient index polymer optics

G. Beadie; E. Fleet; A. Rosenberg; Paul A. Lane; James S. Shirk; A. R. Kamdar; M. Ponting; A. Hiltner; E. Baer

doi:10.1117/12.795906

Translator Disclaimer

11 September 2008 Gradient index polymer optics

G. Beadie, E. Fleet, A. Rosenberg, Paul A. Lane, James S. Shirk, A. R. Kamdar, M. Ponting, A. Hiltner, E. Baer

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7061, Novel Optical Systems Design and Optimization XI; 706113 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.795906
Event: Optical Engineering + Applications, 2008, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The design, fabrication, and properties of one of a new class of gradient-index lenses are reported. The lens is an f/2.25 GRIN singlet based on a nanolayered polymer composite material, designed to correct for spherical aberration. The light gathering and focusing properties of the polymer lens are compared to a homogeneous BK7 glass singlet with a similar f-number. The modulation transfer function of the polymer GRIN lens exceeded that of the homogeneous glass lens at all spatial frequencies and was as much as 3 times better at 5 cyc/mm. The weight of the polymer lens was approximately an order of magnitude less than the homogeneous glass lens.

Citation Download Citation

G. Beadie, E. Fleet, A. Rosenberg, Paul A. Lane, James S. Shirk, A. R. Kamdar, M. Ponting, A. Hiltner, and E. Baer "Gradient index polymer optics", Proc. SPIE 7061, Novel Optical Systems Design and Optimization XI, 706113 (11 September 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.795906

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE