Optical System Design: Aberrations, Optimization, and Optical Design Software

Level: Introductory Length: 7 hours Format: In-Person Lecture Intended Audience: This course is intended for engineers, scientists, managers, technicians, and students whose main job function is not lens design, but are occasionally called upon to specify, design, analyze, or review an optical system and would like to have a better understanding of the subject. No previous knowledge of geometrical optics, optical design, and computer optimization is assumed. Description: Have you ever needed to specify, design, or analyze a lens system and wondered how to do it or where to start? Would you like a better understanding of the terminology used by lens designers? Are you interested in learning techniques to better utilize your optical design software? Have you always wanted to know what the difference is between spherical aberration and coma or where those crazy optical tolerances come from? If your answer to any of these questions is yes, this course is for you!

This full day course begins with a short review of geometrical optics, including system layout and lens performance criteria. A discussion of how different system specifications influence the choice of design form, achievable performance, and cost will be presented. Third-order aberration theory, design factors that affect aberrations, and the principles of aberration correction are discussed. Demonstrations of computer aided lens design (e.g. CODE V and Zemax) are given accompanied by a discussion of optimization theory, variables and constraints, and local vs. global optimization. Techniques for improving an optical design are illustrated with easy-to-understand examples. The optical fabrication and tolerancing process is explored to help explain why some optical designs require precision mechanics and precision assembly and some do not. Learning Outcomes: This course will enable you to: - determine how to improve a design - classify the limits imposed by aberration theory - use optical design software to its best advantage - design toleranced, easily manufacturable lenses - specify and evaluate a lens system - interpret ray-intercept plots - describe the source and correction of aberrations Instructor(s): Julie Bentley is a professor at The Institute of Optics in Rochester, NY. Her expertise is in the area of optical design and tolerancing of precision optical instruments and has been teaching classes in geometrical optics and optical design for over 25 years. Her research group is focused on three different aspects of optics: optical design with freeform GRIN (gradient index) materials, the design of next generation adaptive optics (AO) ophthalmoscopes, and applying artificial intelligence and neural networks to zoom lens design and optimization. In her “free” time she runs a successful optical design consulting business (Bentley Optical Design) designing optical systems that range from military optics to optical systems for medical devices. Event: SPIE Photonics West 2025 Course Held: 28 January 2025