Abstract

The imaging performance of an error-free optical system is limited by deviations in the optical imaging surfaces. Large apertures are not diffraction limited. The irradiance distribution in image elements is derived theoretically for aperture diameters and surface deviations in a relative range of 1:25. The efficiency of large optical imaging apertures as a function of the optical precision is discussed.

© 1966 Optical Society of America

Surface Deviations and Imaging Performance

H. F. A. Tschunko
Appl. Opt. 10(11) 2423-2426 (1971)

Imaging performance of annular apertures. 6: Limitations by optical surface deviations

Hubert F. A. Tschunko
Appl. Opt. 26(24) 5333-5336 (1987)

Angular Dependence of Radiance of Rough Surfaces in Imaging Systems*

Philip S. Considine, David J. Cronin, and George O. Reynolds
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 56(7) 877-883 (1966)

Imagery of One-Dimensional Patterns

Friedrich Kottler and Fred H. Perrin
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 56(3) 377-388 (1966)

Images of Coherently Illuminated Edged Objects Formed by Scanning Optical Systems

Robert E. Kinzly
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 56(1) 9-11 (1966)