Open AccessAnalytic design of a zoom XY-beam expander with freeform optical surfaces
Author(s) -
Fabian Duerr,
Hugo Thienpont
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.23.030438
Subject(s) - zoom , optics , magnification , computer science , beam (structure) , beam expander , range (aeronautics) , laser beams , laser , materials science , physics , lens (geology) , composite material
Many laser applications require specific irradiance distributions to ensure optimal performance. In addition, some applications can benefit from time-varying distributions. In this work, we present the analytic design of a zoom XY-beam expander based on movable freeform optics that allows to simultaneously vary the magnification in x- and y-direction, respectively. This concept is not new: the new is to design and optimally exploit freeform lenses to achieve such an optical functionality. In comparison with zoom beam expanders that use combinations of rotated cylindrical lenses, a freeform system can be more compact, yet achieving excellent overall optical performance throughout the full zoom range.