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Title: General design method for dynamic freeform optics with variable functionality
We propose and demonstrate a general design method for refractive two-element systems enabling variable optical performance between two specified boundary conditions. Similar to the Alvarez lens, small, relative lateral shifts in opposite directions are applied to a pair of plano-freeform elements. The surface prescriptions of the boundary lenses and a maximum desired shift between freeform plates are the main design inputs. In contrast to previous approaches, this method is not limited to boundaries with similar optical functions and can enable a wide range of challenging, dynamic functions for both imaging and non-imaging applications. Background theory and design processes are presented both for cases that are conducive to analytical surface descriptions, as well as for non-analytic surfaces that must be described numerically. Multiple examples are presented to demonstrate the flexibility of the proposed method.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1822049 1822026
PAR ID:
10531213
Author(s) / Creator(s):
;
Publisher / Repository:
Optical Society of America
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Optics Express
Volume:
30
Issue:
11
ISSN:
1094-4087; OPEXFF
Format(s):
Medium: X Size: Article No. 19974
Size(s):
Article No. 19974
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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