Negative Abbe number radial gradient index relay, method of making, and use of same

摘要

Radial gradient index of refraction (GRIN) optical relays for overcorrecting axial chromatic aberration and a method for their manufacture are described. A relay including a radial GRIN rod in combination with a holographic optical element, or simple homogeneous or GRIN lenses, is described for adjusting axial chromatic and monochromatic aberrations, including spherical, coma, astigmatism, and distortion. The invention also describes remote viewing scopes, such as endoscopes and borescopes, which utilize said relays for achromatic, and reduced or corrected monochromatic aberration imaging. The use of segmented said relays provides a slight degree of flexibility in certain remote viewing scopes. A method for producing an exemplary negative dispersion GRIN lens is disclosed.