Radial Gradient-Index Eyepiece Design

摘要

Three-and four-element eyepiece designs are presented each with a different type of radial gradient-index distribution. Both quadratic and modified quadratic index profiles are shown to provide effective controls of the field aberrations. In particular. the three-element design with a quadratic index profile demonstrates that the inhomogeneous power contribution can make significant contributions to the overall system performance, especially the astigmatism correction. Using gradient-index components has allowed for increased eye relief and field of view making these designs comparable with five-and six-element ones. (sdw)