The course explains the origin of the geometrical aberrations of optical systems, and assesses their importance for simple systems (lenses, mirrors, ...). It provides the tools for the characterization of aberrations, based on the optical path difference, the point spread function. The general methods of evaluation of aberrations are studied. The principles of optimization of optical systems are shown on an optical design software (Code V).
At the end of this course, the students are able to assess the quality of an optical system according to several criteria, and to design and optimize simple systems.

LECTURES

Methods for the evaluation of aberrations
Geometrical approach
Wavefront and optical path difference
Diffraction approach:

Point spread function
Strehl ratio & Maréchal's criterion

Aberrations of centered optical systems
Expansions of the optical path difference: Zernike's and Seidel's polynomials
3rd order aberrations :

Spherical aberration

Coma

Astigmatism, Field curvature

Distortion

Geometrical aberrations of conventional systems
Simple optical lenses : diopters, mirrors, singlets
Association of systems


EXERCICE CLASSES

Exercise classes: aberrations of simple systems, study of classical lenses, wavefront analysis, ...
Computer classes with the optical design software Code V: point spread function calculations, evaluation of aberrations, optimization, tolerancing ...

Requirements : Fourier optics Paraxial optics

Evaluation mechanism : 1 written Examination (3h)

Last Modification : Monday 25 November 2013