Investigation of striae tolerance in optical system

In this paper, we are reporting a systematic investigation of striae tolerance in various optical systems. A surface-based phase plate model and a volume striae model are given to simulate the striae strength that introduces optical path difference. The striae could be modeled at an arbitrary location in the element and with both rectangular and cosine shape. Concerning the striae functionality, various criteria were investigated and combined for system analysis, which particularly demonstrate the impact of striae on resolution, distortion and chromatic aberration. Three characteristic optical system types, aperture-dominant, field-dominant and front aperture systems, are investigated in system tolerancing. Both the analysis of striae at different position and in different systems were implemented. According to the study, the impact of striae is related with the marginal ray, chief ray and material properties. Consequently, based on the quantitative analysis, recommendations for the right choice of glass striae grades could be given in optical system tolerancing, which is beneficial to both the optical designer and glass vendors.