Wide-angle catadioptric optics for broadband applications

Many design approaches to the color correction of infrared optics have evolved from theories based on first-order linear equations. When faced with broad spectral design, however, such technologies can fall short. The use of linear approximations for certain material properties has limited the development of well-corrected lenses when faced with higher order color and aberration correction. In this paper we will discuss broad spectral multi-band imaging with specific emphasis on a fast catadioptric wide-angle system design, highlighting its advantages and disadvantages. The result of this work will illustrate an improved solution yielding a compact well-corrected lens adapted for use in the broadband spectrum.