Ray-optical refraction with confocal lenslet arrays

Courtial, J. (2008) Ray-optical refraction with confocal lenslet arrays. New Journal of Physics, 10(8), 083033. (doi: 10.1088/1367-2630/10/8/083033)

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Abstract

Two parallel lenslet arrays with focal lengths f1 and f2 that share a common focal plane (that is, which are separated by a distance f1+f2) can refract transmitted light rays according to Snell's law, but with the 'sin's replaced with 'tan's. This is the case for a limited range of input angles and other conditions. Such confocal lenslet arrays can therefore simulate the interface between optical media with different refractive indices, n1 and n2, whereby the ratio η=-f2/f1 plays the role of the refractive-index ratio n2/n1. Suitable choices of focal lengths enable positive and negative refraction. In contrast to Snell's law, which leads to nontrivial geometric imaging by a planar refractive-index interface only for the special case of n1=±n2, the modified refraction law leads to geometric imaging by planar confocal lenslet arrays for any value of η. We illustrate some of the properties of confocal lenslet arrays with images rendered using ray-tracing software.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Courtial, Dr Johannes
Authors: Courtial, J.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Journal Name:New Journal of Physics
Journal Abbr.:New J. Phys.
Publisher:Institute of Physics Publishing Ltd.
ISSN (Online):1367-2630
Published Online:22 August 2008
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2008 Institute of Physics Publishing Ltd.
First Published:First published in New Journal of Physics 10 (8): 083033
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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