Numerical wave optical analysis of microlens array telescopes and comparison with experimental results

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Telescope Design
• Wave Optics

Background:

• Microlens arrays are crucial for compact optical systems.
• Understanding performance differences in telescope configurations is essential for optimizing imaging.
• Previous models have not fully captured the complex behavior of these systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a numerical wave optical model for analyzing microlens-array-based telescopes.
• To investigate and highlight performance disparities between Galilean and Keplerian telescope setups.
• To compare simulation outcomes with experimental data for validation.

Main Methods:

• Development of a numerical wave optical model.
• Simulation of coaxial and decentered microlens-array telescopes under incoherent illumination.
• Experimental characterization of multimode fiber end face images.
• Comparison of simulation results with experimental transfer efficiency and intensity distribution data.
• Explanation of results using modified analytical models.

Main Results:

• The numerical model accurately describes complex wave optical behavior.
• Significant, previously undocumented performance differences between Galilean and Keplerian microlens telescope setups were identified.
• Experimental validation confirmed simulation predictions for transfer efficiency and intensity distribution.
• Modified analytical models provide theoretical support for the observed phenomena.

Conclusions:

• The developed numerical wave optical model is effective for analyzing microlens-array telescopes.
• Galilean and Keplerian configurations exhibit distinct performance characteristics.
• The findings offer valuable insights for the design and optimization of microlens-based imaging systems.