Aberrations: Their Effect on Off-Axis Beam Steering

The effect of aberrations on off-axis beam steering for multi- aperture systems was qualitatively investigated. A new expression analogous to Goodmans Thin Lens is proposed which shows the beam degradation that occurs at angles, with respect to the optic axis, much greater than five degrees for a thin lens, and two degrees for a thick lens. This expression was then applied to three multi-aperture configurations as a way to correctly predict the field-of- view for various optical systems. Analytical predictions supported by computational and experimental results are included. Although the beam degradation as the field-of-view or field angle is increased has a dramatic effect on the image quality, the power loss as the field angle is increased will be the major factor in designing a system of this type.