Artificially curved optical detector, and methods and systems of making and using

Abstract

This application uses an image detector to mitigate field curvature but without the need to curve the detector surface. Gradient-index (GRIN) media, which possesses spatially varying refractive index, is used as 'cover piece' for planar detectors or internal images. Field curvature correction can be made at the detector or internal image using plane-parallel GRIN cover piece with a planar detector or an internal image. GRIN cover piece imparts a transversely varying image shift. In doing so, the number of elements in an optical system may be reduced since field curvature can be corrected at the detector, allowing for smaller and more lightweight systems.