Off-axis parabolic optical relays: almost perfect imaging

John L. Holdsworth; Galiya Sharafutdinova; Michael J. Sanderson; Dirk F. van Helden

doi:10.1117/12.903430

25 October 2011 Off-axis parabolic optical relays: almost perfect imaging

John L. Holdsworth, Galiya Sharafutdinova, Michael J. Sanderson, Dirk F. van Helden

Proceedings Volume 8011, 22nd Congress of the International Commission for Optics: Light for the Development of the World; 80112C (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.903430
Event: International Commission for Optics (ICO 22), 2011, Puebla, Mexico

Abstract

Off-axis parabolic elements have found application in Tera-Hertz imaging and new application in two-photon microscopy scan engines. Both these applications demand spatial and temporal precision in photon location. This modelling work examines how close off-axis parabolic elements are to the perfect image relay by calculating the geometrical performance metrics of spot diagrams, point spread functions and wavefront distortion for different arrangements of off-axis parabolas and a parabolic torus when compared to a close-coupled two mirror scan engine. Results identify the off-axis parabolic elements as a superior scan engine particularly in wide-field scan instruments. When within the optimum beam size versus parabola focus length ratio, the imaging of these systems is superb.

Citation Download Citation

John L. Holdsworth, Galiya Sharafutdinova, Michael J. Sanderson, and Dirk F. van Helden "Off-axis parabolic optical relays: almost perfect imaging", Proc. SPIE 8011, 22nd Congress of the International Commission for Optics: Light for the Development of the World, 80112C (25 October 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.903430

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