Ray tracing kinoform lens surfaces

An exact ray trace (Snell's law of refraction) of discontinuous surfaces of kinoform lenses (surface relief lenses) is used to evaluate optical performance when used alone or when used in conjunction with conventional optical surfaces. A phase-based merit function that is generated by ray tracing is useful for the design and optimization of such systems including color correction. This ray trace approach can also explain and evaluate the dual focal length features of kinoform lens designs.