Design of fixed correctors used in conformal optical system based on diffractive optical elements

A conformal domewas designed and the aberration characteristics of the dome were analyzed using Zernike aberration theory. By deriving the equation used to correct Zernike aberrations, the phase coefficients and the phase orders of diffractive optical elements (DOEs) used to correct primary Zernike aberrations were obtained. DOEs were simulated to correct the aberrations of the conformal dome by using optical design software, and the aberrations of the conformal dome decreased dramatically. Finally, a complete cooled conformal optical system was designed. The results show that the number of the fixed corrector's elements decreases by using DOEs, and the optical system has better imaging quality. (C) 2013 Optical Society of America