Light scattering from a diffractive-refractive intraocular lens: a goniometer-based approach for individual zone
Grzegorz Łabuz1, Thomas J T P van den Berg2, Gerd U Auffarth1
1David J. Apple Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
Biomedical Optics Express
|January 2, 2023
Summary
Scattering from echelle zones in diffractive lenses causes significant light loss. This study quantifies scattering, revealing a 6.2% loss that impacts intraocular lens (IOL) performance metrics.
Area of Science:
- Optics
- Optical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Diffractive optical elements (DOEs) are crucial in advanced optical systems.
- Echelle elements, a type of DOE, present unique scattering characteristics.
- Accurate light loss quantification is essential for optical performance evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a method for measuring light scattering from echelle diffractive lens zones.
- To quantify the proportion of scattered light and associated light loss.
- To assess the impact of zone number on scattering intensity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a goniometer-based setup for precise angular scattering measurements (up to 7.5°).
- Analyzed light scattering originating from the diffractive lens profile of a 9-zone echelle element.
- Calculated the proportion of scattered light to determine optical power loss.
Main Results:
- Material scattering was found to be minimal (∼1 deg²/sr).
- Each echelle zone contributed as a distinct scattering source.
- Straylight intensity increased gradually with zone number, peaking between 3° and 3.75°.
- An overall light loss of 6.2% ± 0.1% was attributed to scattering.
Conclusions:
- Scattering from echelle zones is a significant factor in light loss for diffractive lenses.
- The characterized scattering profile must be considered in optical design and performance reporting.
- Accurate measurement of scattering is vital for predicting the efficiency of intraocular lenses (IOLs).
