Improved spatial integrator with axicon-dioptric elements

Abstract

The flux transfer efficiency of an optical array with spatial integration has been improved by adding a new element at the input surface. The optical characteristics of the input surfaces of the individual units do not affect the spatial integration property. We propose to fill this input surface with a nested optical array designed to transfer as much energy as possible to the plane of the synthetic image of the spatial integrator array. Several designs for the individual units of this array are discussed. The most promising design consists of a cylindrical axicon-diopter element. This element has been simulated, fabricated, and tested, showing the expected improvement in performance.