Micro-optics systems and devices: review and analysis using multiaperture design software

Abstract

Miniature optical systems utilizing arrays of lenses had been conceived by the early part of this century. More recent uses for multi-aperture optics have included Hartmann wavefront sensing and agile beam steering. To support our own research efforts in micro-optics, Adaptive Optics Associates, Inc., developed first-order raytrace software that is capable of modeling multi-aperture systems. The graphical user interface at the heart of this software gives a CAD-like utility to the program, which is a powerful tool for the micro-optics design engineer. The article discusses the benefits of such an interface. Several examples of micro-optics systems taken from available literature are analyzed. The results, including inter-lens effects, are discussed during a slide presentation given at the 1993 Annual Meeting of the Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers, held at San Diego, California. The presentation documents and analyses various microoptics designs and demonstrates the capabilities of the software.Recently, AOA has added "real" optics as well as the ability to examine the image plane using a virtual detector that provides a histogram of rays striking each pixel. Future developments will include three-dimensional systems and diffractive elements, such as binary optics.