Hybrid design scheme for enabling large-aperture diffractive achromat imaging

Diffractive achromats (DAs) combined with image processing algorithms offer a promising lens solution for high-performance ultra-thin imagers. However, the design of large-aperture DAs that align seamlessly with image processing algorithms remains challenging. Existing sequential methods, which prioritize focusing efficiency in DAs before selecting an algorithm, may not achieve a satisfactory match due to an ambiguous relationship between efficiency and final imaging quality. Conversely, image-quality-oriented end-to-end design often entails high computational complexity for both front-end optics and back-end algorithms, impeding the development of large-aperture designs. To address these issues, we present a hybrid design scheme that begins with end-to-end optimization of the DA with the simplest image processing algorithm, i.e., Wiener filter, significantly reducing the back-end complexity. Subsequently, we apply complex algorithm fine-tuning to further enhance image quality. We validate this hybrid design scheme through extensive investigations on several DA imagers. Our results demonstrate a reduction in memory requirement by approximately 50% while maintaining a high imaging quality with a reasonably large aperture. As a case in point, we simulated a DA imager with a 25 mm diameter aperture. Furthermore, our hybrid design scheme provides two crucial insights. Firstly, we find no strong linear correlation between focusing efficiency and imaging quality, which challenges the conventional understanding. Secondly, we establish a prediction formula for imaging quality, benefiting from the hybrid design scheme.