Achromatic Analysis and Dispersion Design in Gradient Index Elements

Seminar über Theoretische Festkörperphysik

Vortragender:

Dr. Joseph Mait

Datum:

25.09.2017 14:00

Ort:

Room 10.01, 10th Floor, Bldg. 30.23, KIT Campus South

Zugehörigkeit:

Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technologies, Jena, Germany

Gastgeber:

Prof. Dr. Carsten Rockstuhl

Abstract

For over a century, researchers recognized the potential offered by graded-index
(GRIN) optical elements to improve the performance of optical systems. The technology received considerable attention in the 1970s, when it found its primary application in fiber-based imaging systems. Spurred by recent developments in fabrication, interest in applying GRIN optics to conventional, i.e., non-fiber-based, imaging has been rekindled.
We consider the chromatic properties of GRIN elements and their application to deflection and imaging. We show that elements fabricated using three materials, in contrast to a traditional blend of two materials, can potentially reduce chromatic dispersion.
In addition, we consider the design of GRIN achromats. In most instances, the dispersive and achromatic properties of a GRIN lens have not been presented in a manner useful for optical designers. There exist few rules of thumb or intuition with regard to such design. To address this deficiency, we derive an expression for chromatic aberration that considers material properties and is relevant to optical designers. We address its application and its limits.