Aberrations of a system of arbitrarily inclined planar surfaces placed in non-collimated light beam

The refraction of spherical wavefronts through a system of arbitrarily inclined planar surfaces is theoretically considered and general expressions for evaluation of aberrations developed. The formulae developed are applied towards computing aberrations caused individually by a single inclined plane parallel plate, single wedge prism, and two separated wedge plates. The studies carried out are helpful in proper design of flat plates refraction system for either complete elimination of a particular aberration or their balancing for optimal performance or for compensation of residuals in a given optical system.