Design of optical systems that maximize as-built performance using tolerance/compensator-informed optimization
- Resource Type
- Authors
- Michael Schneider; Brian J. Bauman
- Source
- Optics Express. 26:13819
- Subject
- Geometrical optics
Zernike polynomials
Computer science
business.industry
02 engineering and technology
021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology
01 natural sciences
Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Compensation (engineering)
010309 optics
symbols.namesake
Optics
0103 physical sciences
symbols
Ray tracing (graphics)
0210 nano-technology
business
Adaptive optics
Algorithm
- Language
- ISSN
- 1094-4087
We describe an approach that enables the design of optical systems for optimal performance when built, i.e., when user-selected tolerances and compensators are taken into account. The approach does not require significant raytracing or computing time beyond what is used to optimize the nominal design. The approach uses nodal aberration theory to describe the effects of decentered optics; double Zernike polynomials to describe and quantify system performance; and an analytic approach to determining the necessary compensation and residual wavefront error due to a tolerance. We design a triplet using this approach and compare its Monte-Carlo-modeled as-built performance to that of a conventionally-optimized design which optimizes only nominal performance. We also describe several extensions to the theory.