LITMIR.BIZ

      We now substitute the conjugate parameter values together with the refractive index values (ND) into Eq. (4.30a). We sum the contributions of the two lenses giving the total spherical aberration which we set to zero. Calculating all coefficients we get a quadratic equation in terms of the two shape factors, s₁ and s₂.

(4.54)

      We now repeat the same process for Eq. (4.30b), setting the total system coma to zero. This time we get a linear equation involving s₁ and s₂.

(4.55)

Substituting Eq. (4.55) into Eq. (4.54) gives the desired quadratic equation:

(4.56)

There are, of course, two sets of solutions to Eq. (4.56), with the following values:

      There now remains the question as to which of these two solutions to select. Using Eq. (4.29) to calculate the individual radii of curvature from the lens shapes and focal length we get:

      The radii R₁ and R₂ refer to the first and second surfaces of lens 1 and R₃ and R₄ to the first and second surfaces of lens 2. It is clear that the first solution contains less steeply curved surfaces and is likely to be the better solution, particularly for relatively large apertures. In the case of the second solution, whilst the solution to the third order equations eliminates third order spherical aberration and coma, higher order aberrations are likely to be enhanced.

      The first solution to this problem comes under the generic label of the Fraunhofer doublet, whereas the second is referred to as a Gauss doublet. It should be noted that for the Fraunhofer solution, R₂ and R₃ are almost identical. This means that should we constrain the two surfaces to have the same curvature (in the case of a cemented doublet) and just optimise for spherical aberration, then the solution will be close to that of the ideal aplanatic lens. To do this, we would simply use Eq. 4.29, forcing R₂ and R₃ to be equal and to replace Eq. 4.55 constraining the total coma, providing an alternative relation between s₁ and s₂. However, the fact that the cemented doublet is close to fulfilling the zero spherical aberration and coma condition further illustrates the usefulness of this simple component.

      The analysis presented applies only strictly in the thin lens approximation. In practice, optimisation of a doublet such as presented in the previous example would be accomplished with the aid of ray tracing software. However, the insights gained by this exercise are particularly important. For instance, in carrying out a computer-based optimisation, it is critically important to understand that two solutions exist. Furthermore, in setting up a computer-based optimisation, an exercise, such as this, provides a useful ‘starting point’.

      4.7.6 Secondary Colour

The previous analysis of the achromatic doublet provides a means of ameliorating the impact of glass dispersion and to provide correction at two wavelengths. In the case of the standard visible achromat, correction is provided at the F and C wavelengths, the two hydrogen lines at 486.1 and 656.3 nm. Unfortunately, however, this does not guarantee correction at other, intermediate wavelengths. If one views dispersion of optical materials as a ‘small signal’ problem, and that any difference in refractive index is small across the region of interest, then correction of the chromatic focal shift with a doublet may be regarded as a ‘linear process’. That is to say we might approximate the dispersion of an optical material by some pseudo-linear function of wavelength, ignoring higher order terms. However, by ignoring these higher order terms, some residual chromatic aberration remains. This effect is referred to as secondary colour. The effect is illustrated schematically in Figure 4.26 which shows the shift in focus as a function of wavelength.