Abstract

Gradient-index (GRIN) arrays exist in nature as compound eyes. The two types of compound eye are the superposition and apposition eye. The purpose of this paper is to describe the design, fabrication, and testing of an array of imaging elements which is in direct analogy with the superposition compound eye. The first-order design of the array is based on the superposition imaging of two GRIN rods tilted with respect to each other; these rods are referred to as the array unit. The array unit is then replicated about a sphere to encompass theoretically 360 solid degrees, i.e., 4π sr. Placement of the array units is based on the principles of geodesic engineering. Analysis for the array’s performance was developed based on third-order aberrations.

© 1988 Optical Society of America