Efficient design process for the evaluation and control of flare in opto-mechanical systems

Michael W. Zollers; John M. Tamkin; G. Groot Gregory

doi:10.1117/12.826615

21 August 2009 Efficient design process for the evaluation and control of flare in opto-mechanical systems

Michael W. Zollers, John M. Tamkin, G. Groot Gregory

Proceedings Volume 7428, Current Developments in Lens Design and Optical Engineering X; 742806 (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.826615
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2009, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Even the best optical designs can be ruined by unwanted light: flare in the form of ghost images and veiling glare. The analysis of stray light in an opto-mechanical system is a step in the design process that is often limited to ghost image analysis by the optical designer. In many large design groups, stray light analysis is traditionally performed by optical engineers with very specialized analysis tools that are difficult to master. However, recent improvements in software packages are now offering tools that allow less experienced designers access to tool sets that can perform flare and veiling glare analysis for a substantial subset of optical design problems. This paper outlines an effective and efficient design process for determining the types and magnitudes of stray light in an optical system and demonstrates its use on an injection molded plastic lens assembly. We describe a capability that locates all of the optical paths and their relative magnitudes through an optical system and separates them into one of three categories: image path, ghost paths, or veiling glare. We then describe how to leverage this information to determine the most effective removal method for the "worst offenders".

Citation Download Citation

Michael W. Zollers, John M. Tamkin, and G. Groot Gregory "Efficient design process for the evaluation and control of flare in opto-mechanical systems", Proc. SPIE 7428, Current Developments in Lens Design and Optical Engineering X, 742806 (21 August 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.826615

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