Abstract

In this Letter, we propose a novel configuration and design method of freeform, dual fields-of-view (FOVs), dual focal lengths, off-axis three-mirror zoom imaging systems. The switch of the two zooms is achieved by rotating a single mirror element. The design of a freeform, dual focal lengths zoom system is realized by a point-by-point design approach for the first time to our knowledge. This method enables the direct design of freeform surfaces from initial planes using given system specifications and configuration, and the designed system can be taken as a good starting point for further optimization. A freeform, dual FOVs, dual focal lengths, off-axis three-mirror zoom system is demonstrated. The F-numbers of the two zooms are 2 and 2.4. The dual FOVs are 3°×3° and 2.5°×2.5°. After final optimization, both of the zooms achieve high performances.

© 2016 Chinese Laser Press

Design of off-axis three-mirror systems with ultrawide field of view based on an expansion process of surface freeform and field of view

Qingyu Meng, Hongyuan Wang, Wenjing Liang, Zhiqiang Yan, and Bingwen Wang
Appl. Opt. 58(3) 609-615 (2019)

Design method of freeform off-axis reflective imaging systems with a direct construction process

Tong Yang, Jun Zhu, Wei Hou, and Guofan Jin
Opt. Express 22(8) 9193-9205 (2014)

Direct design of freeform surfaces and freeform imaging systems with a point-by-point three-dimensional construction-iteration method

Tong Yang, Jun Zhu, Xiaofei Wu, and Guofan Jin
Opt. Express 23(8) 10233-10246 (2015)

Design method of freeform off-axis three-mirror reflective imaging systems

Huaixue Zhao, Limin Gao, Xianglong Mao, Yaxuan Duan, and Xun Xue
Appl. Opt. 62(29) 7852-7859 (2023)

Design of freeform imaging systems with linear field-of-view using a construction and iteration process

Tong Yang, Jun Zhu, and Guofan Jin
Opt. Express 22(3) 3362-3374 (2014)