Optical gradient elements made from glass or plastic by spin casting - in process separating materials of differing molecular weight to produce a refractive index gradient along any required axis to make lightweight lenses or prisms for optical systems

摘要

This optical gradient element shows refractive index variation perpendicular to one or more of its axes. The refraction is altered throughout the volume of the material. The variation extends from one axis radially outwards, spread evenly over a plane in all directions. The optical component is mfd. from the blank by mechanical operations, e.g. cutting and grinding, in which the location of the optical axis lies in the direction of a specified straight line, with a defined gradient of refractive index.