Comparative analysis of doublets versus single-layer diffractive optical elements in eyepiece or magnifier design

摘要

We quantify the impact of eye clearance requirement on the performance of eyepieces utilizing doublets versus diffractive optical elements on aspheric substrates. In this study, the doublets were designed to be cemented on-axis elements. Specifically, four different values of eye clearance were implemented: 17, 20, 23, and 26 mm. For each value, axial and lateral color, spherical aberration, coma, astigmatism, field curvature, and distortion were compared. Each system under comparison was optimized for the same focal length, a 9 mm exit pupil, photopic wavelengths (513-608 nm), and a 40 deg full field of view. We demonstrate that the single-layer diffractive optical element supports an eye clearance value of approximately 80percent of the effective focal length, while the doublet drops below desired specifications at approximately 65percent of the effective focal length.