PFI:AIR - TT: Achromatic lenses with an unprecedented spectral range

该PFI：AIR技术转换项目实现了光学透镜的转换，该透镜在从可见光到中红外范围的扩展波长范围内提供消色差的光聚焦。 消色差聚焦允许不同波长的光，例如红色和蓝色，以相同的焦距聚焦，从而实现更清晰的图像。 它适用于广泛的光学应用，从显微镜到摄影到高光谱成像。以前的消色差透镜在其波长范围内受到限制，而其他宽带消色差透镜使用昂贵的材料和生产技术。该项目中开发的产品提供了一种材料组合，不仅价格实惠，而且生产友好，从而制造出具有上级消色差特性的相对便宜的光学器件。该项目将产生一个原型透镜，可以很容易地用于光学显微镜应用，提供从可见光到中红外成像的机会。在一个以研究为导向的项目中发现的，提议的消色差透镜由氟化钙和蓝宝石组成。最初的模拟已经证实，这两种材料的组合在扩展范围内产生消色差透镜。该项目将在制造部件和高精度组装镜头之前进一步微调材料参数。在分发给外地用户购买之前，将对原型进行广泛测试。该项目将为一名研究生和一名本科生提供广泛的培训经验，他们将参与工程，测试和商业决策过程。该项目还聘请了定制光学制造市场领导者Zygo的工程师和业务开发人员，以推动这项技术从研究发现转化为商业现实。

This PFI: AIR Technology Translation project enables the translation of an optical lens that provides achromatic focusing of light over an extended wavelength range, from the visible to the mid-infrared range. Achromatic focusing allows different wavelengths of light, for example red and blue, to be brought into focus at the same focal length, enabling a clearer image. It is useful for a wide range of optics applications, from microscopy to photography to hyperspectral imaging. Previous achromatic lenses have been limited in their wavelength range, whereas other broadband achromatic lenses use materials and production techniques that are expensive. The product to be developed in this project offers a combination of materials that are not only affordable but also production friendly, resulting in the fabrication of a relatively inexpensive optic with superior achromatic properties. The project will result in a prototype lens that can be readily used in optical microscopy applications, providing imaging opportunities from the visible to the mid-infrared. Discovered during a research-oriented project, the proposed achromat is composed of calcium fluoride and sapphire. Initial simulations have confirmed that the combination of these two materials produces achromatic lenses over an extended range. The project will further fine-tune the material parameters before the components are fabricated and the lenses are assembled with high precision. The prototype will be extensively tested before copies are disseminated for purchase to users in the field. The project will form an extensive training experience for a graduate and an undergraduate student, who will be involved with the engineering, testing and commercial decision making process. The project also engages engineers and business development personnel from the Zygo, a market leader in custom optics fabrication, to drive this technology translation effort from research discovery toward commercial reality.