Abstract

By analyzing the limitations that achromatic gradient-index (GRIN) lens solutions in the radial and axial extremes place on lens thickness and surface curvature, a radial–axial hybrid GRIN theory is developed in order to overcome these restrictions and expose a larger solution space. With the achromatic hybrid GRIN theory, the trade-offs between thickness, curvature, and GRIN type can be directly studied in the context of size, weight, and power (SWaP) reduction. Finally, the achromatic solution space of a silicon-germanium-based material system is explored, and several designs are verified with ray tracing.

© 2016 Optical Society of America

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