Collapsible imaging systems having lens arrays

Abstract

Optics systems presented are arranged as high-performance imagers particularly characterized by their exceptional compactness in view of image quality. A plurality of lens and let's and or doublets are configured to cooperate with related mount systems optimized for compactness. To achieve very high resolution imaging despite somewhat abbreviated compound lens design, these systems include use of lens array elements proximate to an imaging plane. So placed lens array devices may be designed with lens elements which invariably operate on incident wave planes with radial dependence. That is, the focusing strength of lenses from which these lens arrays are comprised may depend upon its distance from system optic axis. This enables an imaging correction function that counters distortion and other undesirable imaging errors typically present in a simplified compound lens systems. When used together and in conjunction with special-purpose collapsing lens mounting systems, an imaging system of very high fidelity and very compact weight size is achieved to great advantage in system when a premium on lens size is necessitated.