We propose a new panossramic optical system that provides an additional field of view (FOV) channel without expanding the physical size of a conventional panoramic annular lens (PAL). The two channels are contained within one PAL, their optical paths do not interfere with each other, and the two images are realized on a single image plane. A prototype panoramic lens was developed that provides a 360° × (38-80°) front FOV channel and a 360° × (102-140°) back FOV channel.

A monocentric lens combined with a multi-scale form can achieve a large field of view while maintaining the resolution. This report describes an analytical model that is suitable for both Galilean- and Keplerian-type monocentric multi-scale (MMS) systems; this model also analyzes the correlation between the two types of systems. Moreover, the off-axis aberration associated with the analytical model was derived, on this basis, the Galilean- and Keplerian-type MMS systems were compared. It was concluded that the Galilean-type MMS system performs better with respect to aberration performance. This report provides a useful reference for further applications and developments of MC systems.

A plate beam splitter can simultaneously increase the transmittances and reflectances of different split spectrum segments. The splitter has been widely used in optical systems. However, when a beam passes through a beam splitter in a convergent optical path, the image quality may be degraded severely because the tilted plate may introduce aberrations such as astigmatism at the on-axis point. The formula for calculating this astigmatism is established. The calculated results are consistent with the simulated results, and the validity of the formula is verified through experiments. A cylindrical lens curvature calculation formula is derived to correct the on-axis astigmatism, which reduces the aberrations introduced by the tilted plate and improves the imaging performance. The imaging characteristics of the off-axis field of view and the reasons for the changes in image quality are analyzed. The F -number range of the converging light path is calculated, which provides a reference for tilted applications of flat-panel optical elements in converging light paths.

Microlens array (MLA) scanning systems are used in numerous applications, such as laser radar and optical communications. Excrescent light generated by overlapping divergent beams from adjacent microlenses increases with scanning angle, thereby reducing the relative aperture and affecting the MLA system resolution. The fill factor is hence proposed to characterize the relative aperture, and its effects on the modulation transfer function are analyzed. The fill factor is calculated from matrix optics paraxial ray tracing using the system parameters. The simulated results of the MLA system and theoretical calculations are in good agreement. This work can benefit the design and evaluation of MLA systems.

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