The paper presents the mathematical apparatus for precise calculation of the three-dimensional point spread function (3D PSF) of optical systems. The method is based on the Huygens-Fresnel principle: a spherical wave on the threedimensional surface of the exit pupil is considered as result of the superposition of elementary secondary point radiation sources. These point sources emit coherent electromagnetic waves with a spherical wave front. They form a certain distribution of generalized complex amplitudes in three-dimensional space near the focus point. This distribution is used to calculate the intensity distribution in the focus area of the optical system, which is the PSF. The advantage of the proposed technique is direct calculation of the 3D PSF with taking into account wave aberrations and without usage of Fresnel or Fraunhofer approximations. In case of small aperture optical systems the proposed technique coincides with classical theory that specifies the link between a pupil function and PSF via Fourier transform. The differences between precise and approximated techniques for 3D PSF calculation are also discussed.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.