Structural design of multicomponent lens systems

The thin lens design of multicomponent systems with a prespecified set of primary aberration residuals and Gaussian characteristics usually starts with the choice of a lens type followed by a selection of the glasses to be used for the elements of its different components. An alternative scheme is reported in this paper which aims at utilizing these degrees of freedom in a more effective way. The detailed structure of the individual components and the glasses to be used in the lens elements comprising them are determined after the feasibility of attaining the given aberration targets with viable components has been ascertained on a preliminary layout of components obtained from a consideration of Gaussian requirements and Petzval curvature of the desired system.