A novel system with non-rotational symmetry, enabling fast, compact designs for wide-field imaging through advanced diamond machining
Institute Reference: 2-11150-11024
Traditional optical systems rely heavily on rotational symmetry, limiting their effectiveness in applications requiring wide fields of view or minimal size. Conventional systems also suffer from on-axis aberrations (like coma), especially when tilted or decentered. Recent advancements in diamond-turning technology have introduced new φ-polynomial surfaces, removing prior symmetry constraints and opening opportunities for high-performance optics.
This patented system introduces a new family of nonsymmetric optical designs that leverage φ-polynomial surfaces. Using slow-servo diamond machining, surfaces vary both radially and azimuthally, overcoming traditional limitations. The design uses three optical components in a folded configuration, where at least two surfaces feature φ-polynomials. These optics perform exceptionally well across fields of view ranging from 7° to 30° and maintain fast f-numbers (1.3 to 4.0). The system minimizes wavefront errors to λ/100 at 10 µm wavelengths, making it ideal for applications that require precise imaging over a wide spectral range (1 µm to 12 µm).
The optical system is designed to be compact and lightweight, with an envelope size that remains under four times the pupil diameter, minimizing both size and structural complexity. It offers a wide field of view, supporting ranges between 7° and 30° with minimal aberrations, made possible by the incorporation of φ-polynomial surfaces. Performance is further enhanced by achieving an RMS wavefront error of less than λ/100 across the entire field, guaranteeing exceptional imaging quality. The system’s fast f-number (≤ f/2) enables the use of uncooled infrared detectors, significantly reducing overall costs. Additionally, the design method is highly flexible, allowing for customization and optimization by effectively managing field-dependent aberrations.
The optical system holds significant potential across various industries. In defense and aerospace, it can enhance advanced imaging technologies for missile defense, surveillance, and space telescopes, providing superior performance in demanding environments. In medical imaging, the system’s compact design is ideal for endoscopy and microscopy applications, where a wide field of view is crucial for detailed visualization. Astronomical applications can also benefit from this technology, as it enables lightweight telescopes and observational instruments with high imaging precision. Additionally, the system is well-suited for industrial vision systems, supporting precision sensors in robotics and automated manufacturing processes.
The University of Rochester is open to exploring funded research collaborations, licensing agreements, and other partnership opportunities.