High-performance compact athermal panoramic annular lens design with separated radial optical power

Area of Science:

• Optical Engineering
• Lens Design
• Imaging Systems

Background:

• Panoramic annular lenses offer real-time spatial information.
• Existing systems face challenges in extreme temperatures and image plane utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a high-performance, compact, athermal panoramic annular lens.
• To address extreme temperature environments and improve image plane utilization.

Main Methods:

• Introduction of multiple free-form surfaces.
• Design of a system with separated radial optical power.

Main Results:

• Achieved a field of view of (40°∼100°)×360° with an f-number of 2.2.
• System length is 40 mm, MTF > 0.5 at 200 lp/mm, and distortion < 2.5%.
• Stable operation in -30°C to 70°C range.

Conclusions:

• The proposed lens is compact, athermal, and high-performing.
• Broad application prospects in visual positioning and biomedicine.