The design and performance of two multilayer polymer gradient index (GRIN) singlets are discussed. One singlet is an f/4 monochromat based on an axial GRIN geometry. The other is an f/6 achromat based on a spherical GRIN geometry. The design for each lens was modified to account for as-manufactured GRIN contours and final layer thicknesses. Asmanufactured performance for each lens was consistent with the performance of a commercial, air-spaced doublet predicted to be diffraction-limited at 532 nm, within the resolution of our setup for measuring the point spread functions of our lens elements.
Monocentric lenses are excellent candidates for compact, broadband, high resolution, wide-field imaging.
Traditional monocentric designs produce a curved image surface and have therefore found limited utility. The use of
an appropriately machined fiber bundle to relay the curved image plane onto a flat focal plane array (FPA) has
recently emerged as a potential solution. Unfortunately the spatial sampling that is intrinsic to the fiber bundle relay
can have a negative effect on image resolution, and vignetting has been identified as another potential shortcoming
of this solution. In this paper we describe a metamaterial optical element that avoids the deleterious effects of
sampling and can provide a high-quality image relay from the curved monocentric image surface to a flat FPA.
Using quasi-conformal transformation optics (TO) a classical Maxwell’s “fish-eye” lens is transformed into a shape
with a concave front surface and flat back surface. We quantify image quality metrics such as spot size, field of
view, and light efficiency along with manufacturing cost metrics such as index contrast and anisotropy. Based on
this analysis we identify and fully optimize a monocentric lens in combination with a TO-designed GRIN image
relay optic.
Through a combination of optical design and algorithm development, a new expanded point information content (EPIC)
microscope has been developed that is capable of extending the depth of field while simultaneously super locating the
depth position of complex biological objects to within an accuracy of 75 nm. The data is then combined to form 3D
animations of live-cell biological specimens. This is accomplished without the need to acquire multi-focal image stacks
and is thus well suited for high-speed imaging.
A phase shifting differential interference contrast (DIC) microscope, which provides quantitative phase information and
is capable of imaging at video rates, has been constructed. Using a combination of phase shifting and bi-directional
shear, the microscope captures a series of eight images which are then integrated in Fourier space. In the resultant image
the intensity profile linearly maps to the phase differential across the object. The necessary operations are performed by
various liquid crystal devices (LCDs) which can operate at high speeds. A set of four liquid crystal prisms shear the
beam in both the x and y directions. A liquid crystal bias cell delays the phase between the e- and o-beams providing
phase-shifted images. The liquid crystal devices are then synchronized with a CCD camera in order to provide real-time
image acquisition. Previous implementation of this microscope utilized Nomarski prisms, a rotation stage and a
manually operated Sénarmont compensator to perform the necessary operations and was only capable of fixed sample
imaging. In the present work, a series of images were taken using both the new LCD prism based microscope and the
previously implemented Sénarmont compensator based system. A comparison between these images shows that the new
system achieves equal and in some cases superior results to that of the old system with the added benefit of real-time imaging.
An extended depth of field (EDF) microscope that allows for quantitative axial positioning has been constructed. Past
work has shown that EDF microscopy allows for features in varying planes to appear sharply focused simultaneously,
however an inherent consequence of this is that depth information is lost. Here, a specifically engineered phase plate is
used to create a point spread function (PSF) that contains both of the necessary attributes for extended depth of field and
quantitative depth mapping. A two-camera solution is used to separate and capture the information for individualized
post processing. The result is a microscope that can serve as an essential tool for full 3D, real-time imaging.
This work describes improved methods and algorithms for implementing extended depth of field (EDF) microscopy
through point spread function (PSF) engineering. It utilizes adaptive optics to create a test bed on which to evaluate new
phase shapes for EDF. Being able to quickly and cheaply design novel PSFs is essential to overcome limitations of EDF
that have prevented the technology from reaching mainstream use. Further improvement is made by reducing the noise
normally seen in EDF images. Computational optics principles are used to first encode the noise with an identifiable
pattern and a specially-tailored non-linear algorithm then removes the noise. This approach improves a microscope's
imaging capabilities in photon-starved applications such as live-cell fluorescence and object tracking.
A two-element laser beam shaping system based on spherical gradient refractive index (GRIN) lenses has been designed utilizing the optical design package CODE V®. The impetus for this design is the recent development of large diameter (~ 20 mm) layered polymer spherical GRIN lenses that can be fabricated with arbitrary index of refraction profiles between 1.490 and 1.573. A merit function is developed that includes the index range constraint, radius of curvature and thickness fabrication constraints, and a mapping function which maps the Gaussian irradiance profile into a flat-top
profile. The designed system features high transmission efficiency, with nearly 100% of the energy transferred to the output beam and a variance of less than 3% in uniformity from the center to the edge of the beam. The adaptability of the lens making process allows for an additional degree of freedom in beam shaping.
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