Prediction of the influence of material optical homogeneity on the image quality of multi-element optical systems

Subject of study. The influence of the optical homogeneity of materials on the image quality of multi-element optical objectives is investigated. Aim of study. In this study, the criteria for material selection to achieve specified objective image quality parameters are determined, and the image quality of multi-element optical objectives is predicted based on inspection data characterizing the optical homogeneity of material blanks. Method. Numerical modeling of wave aberrations in multi-element optical objectives, caused by variations in optical homogeneity, is performed using a computational design software package. The modeling accounts for the dependence of aberrations on ray paths within the lenses, corresponding influence coefficients, and the possibility of partial compensation of third-order aberrations during optical fabrication and finishing. Main results. Requirements for the optical homogeneity of material blanks are established with consideration of factors that reduce aberrations during fabrication. We demonstrate a method for predicting the image quality of multi-element optical objectives from the measured parameters of refractive index homogeneity in the applied optical materials. Practical significance. The proposed approach, focusing on the design and manufacturing stages, enables a more accurate assessment of the feasibility of producing multi-element optical objectives with specified image quality using available optical materials.