Optical method and system for extended depth of focus
US7365917B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 16, 2007 |
| Grant date | Apr 29, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 16, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02C2202/22
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An imaging arrangement and method for extended the depth of focus are provided. The imaging arrangement comprises an imaging lens having a certain affective aperture, and an optical element associated with said imaging lens. The optical element is configured as a phase-affecting, non-diffractive optical element defining a spatially low frequency phase transition. The optical element and the imaging lens define a predetermined pattern formed by spaced-apart substantially optically transparent features of different optical properties. Position of at least one phase transition region of the optical element within the imaging lens plane is determined by at least a dimension of said affective aperture.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.