Gradient-index lenses: Symplectic ray tracing and optical testing
McKeon, Ben
McKeon, Ben
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Identifiers
http://hdl.handle.net/10379/18062
https://doi.org/10.13025/18063
https://doi.org/10.13025/18063
Repository DOI
Publication Date
2024-02-22
Type
Thesis
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Abstract
The chief objective of this thesis is to provide an introduction to symplectic numerical methods and how they may be applied to optical problems, particularly for tracing rays within gradientindex (GRIN) optics. Specifically, we investigate how symplectic methods compare in terms of accuracy with well-established numerical integration techniques such as Euler’s method and the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method (RK4). As a near-term application, symplectic methods are used to render a test image which requires nonlinear ray tracing. The accuracy of implicit numerical methods is also considered, in addition to the derivation of algebraic iteration schemes for lenses with separable index profiles thereby removing the need for root solvers when using implicit methods. Finally, the pyramid wavefront sensor, a component commonly employed in adaptive optics systems, is considered as a means of measuring aberrations present within GRIN elements and is proposed as a tool to undertake the characterisation and optical testing of same.
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Publisher
NUI Galway