Aberration properties and performance of a new diffractive-gradient-index high-resolution objective

Area of Science:

• Optical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Advanced optical systems require high resolution for detailed imaging.
• Gradient-index (GRIN) materials offer unique refractive properties.
• Diffractive optical elements can manipulate light with microstructures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a new hybrid optical objective design.
• To evaluate the imaging performance of this novel objective.
• To demonstrate efficient aberration correction for high resolution.

Main Methods:

• Design of a hybrid objective using gradient-index materials.
• Incorporation of diffractive lens microstructures on external surfaces.
• Aberration analysis up to fifth order.

Main Results:

• The proposed hybrid objective utilizes two inhomogeneous materials with a cemented spherical surface.
• Diffractive microstructures are integrated onto flat external refracting surfaces.
• The design demonstrates efficient performance, achieving 1-micrometer Rayleigh resolution even with third- and fifth-order aberration considerations.

Conclusions:

• A novel hybrid optical objective has been successfully designed.
• The integration of GRIN elements and diffractive lenses enables high-resolution imaging.
• This design offers an efficient solution for demanding optical applications.