Transverse image translation using an optical freeform single lens

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Optical Engineering
• Image Processing

Background:

• Traditional optical systems lack inherent image translation capabilities.
• Modifying existing optical systems for image translation is complex and often impractical.
• A need exists for methods to translate images without altering the original optical system's design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a novel optical function: transverse image translation.
• To develop an approach using freeform optical surfaces for image translation.
• To design a compact optical element that performs transverse image translation without affecting the original system.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing freeform optical surfaces to create a single lens element.
• Designing the freeform lens to achieve a specific transverse image displacement.
• Integrating the freeform lens into an existing optical system behind it.
• Verifying the optical function through a design example and simulation.

Main Results:

• A novel optical function, transverse image translation, has been realized.
• A single freeform lens was designed as the sole element for image translation.
• The proposed approach allows image translation without changing the original optical system's structure or specifications.
• A design example confirmed the feasibility of the transverse image translation approach.

Conclusions:

• Freeform optical surfaces offer a viable method for implementing transverse image translation.
• The designed freeform lens successfully translates images transversely without system modification.
• This approach presents a new geometrical transformation for optical imaging systems.