Curved detectors for wide field imaging systems: impact on tolerance analysis

Overview & Synopsis

In the present paper we consider quantitative estimation of the tolerances widening in optical systems with curved detectors. The gain in image quality allows to loosen the margins for manufacturing and assembling errors. On another hand, the requirements for the detector shape and positioning become more tight. We demonstrate both of the effects on example of two optical designs. The first one is a rotationally-symmetrical lens with focal length of 25 mm, f-ratio of 3.5 and field of view equal to 72°, working in the visible domain. The second design is a three-mirror anastigmat telescope with focal length of 250 mm, f-ratio of 2.0 and field of view equal to 4°x4°. In both of the cases use of curved detectors allow to increase the image quality and substantially decrease the requirements for manufacturing precision