Abstract

Gradient-index materials have been developed to transmit in the near- and far-IR portions of the spectrum. Gradient-index germanium/silicon has been developed by Czochralski crystal growths, and chemically vapor-deposited zinc selenide/zinc sulfide has been produced. These two new materials provide unique opportunities for designers of IR optical systems. Due to the unusual dependence of the chromatic aberration and Petzval field curvature on the gradient, it is possible to design more simplified optical systems than possible with aspheres or holographic elements.

© 1988 Optical Society of America