Abstract

A simple optical setup is introduced here that is capable of improving the diffraction-limited angular resolution of a telescope at minimal cost to image quality. The system consists of, at minimum, an axicon and a convex lens located in the optical path of the telescope, which can increase the angular resolution by up to 38%. Analytical results for this resolution gain along with the Strehl ratio of this system are presented along with experimental results, which show a 30% improvement in single-acquisition image resolution with a Strehl ratio of 0.07, agreeing well with predicted values. With an ultrashallow axicon, large increases in Strehl ratio are possible, up to and beyond unity making higher angular resolution measurements possible with little cost to image quality or experimental complexity.

© 2016 Optical Society of America

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