Tuning field depth at high resolution by pupil engineering

We present a simple comprehensive treatment on the use of free-form optical elements, and of nonuniform optical windows, either for increasing focal depth [by regulating the width of the axial point spread function (PSF)] or for tuning the depth of field [by controlling the influence of focus error on the modulation transfer function (MTF)]. We employ the rising notation of pupil engineering, which incorporates techniques for controlling the spread of the axial PSF, as well as methods for governing the impact of focus errors on the MTF. Our discussion also includes the use of vortex lenses for designing nonconventional optical systems.