Open AccessGeneralized Aldis theorem for calculating aberration contributions in freeform systems
Author(s) -
Bin Chen,
Alois Herkommer
Publication year - 2016
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.24.026999
Subject(s) - ray tracing (physics) , optics , ray transfer matrix analysis , lens (geology) , optical aberration , spherical aberration , computer science , geometrical optics , surface (topology) , differential (mechanical device) , physics , wavefront , mathematics , geometry , thermodynamics
Compact folded imaging systems often require freeform surfaces to correct astigmatic and other off-axis aberrations. However, aberration theory for non-rotational symmetric systems is quite complex and it is especially hard to quantify individual surface aberration contributions. In this paper we develop a matrix method based on the propagation of a differential ray pair, which allows determining the aberration contribution of each individual surface for any ray. We can mathematically prove that the sum of the aberrations is identical to the exact ray-tracing result at the image plane. A head-mounted display lens is employed for testing and verification of this method. As will be shown, the method proves to be a universal tool for aberration calculations within freeform system.