title: Achromatic GRIN singlet lens design.
abstract: Gradient refractive index (GRIN) materials are attractive candidates for improved optical design, especially in compact systems. For GRIN lenses cut from spherically symmetric GRIN material, we derive an analogue of the "lens maker's" equation. Using this equation, we predict and demonstrate via ray tracing that an achromatic singlet lens can be designed, where the chromatic properties of the GRIN counterbalance those of the lens shape. Modeling the lens with realistic materials and realistic fabrication geometries, we predict we can make an achromatic singlet with a 19 mm focal length using a matrix of known polymers.
authors.affiliation: polymer_GRIN_lenses@nrl.navy.mil
authors.forename: Richard A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Flynn
authors.forename: E F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Fleet
authors.forename: Guy
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Beadie
authors.forename: James S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Shirk
mesh_terms: D003116:Color; D003198:Computer Simulation; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D007909:Lenses; D008027:Light; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012031:Refractometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012542:Scattering, Radiation