Trade-Off Asymmetric Profile for Extended-Depth-of-Focus Ocular Lens

We explore the possibility of extending the depth of focus of an imaging lens with an asymmetric quartic phase-mask, while keeping the aberration within a relatively low level. This can be intended, for instance, for ophthalmic applications, where no further digital processing can take place, relying instead on the patient's neural adaptation to their own aberrations. We propose a computational optimization method to derive the design-strength factor of the asymmetric profile. The numerical and experimental results are shown. The optical experiment was conducted by means of a modulo-2 pi phase-only spatial light modulator. The proposed combination of the asymmetric mask and the lens can be implemented in a single refractive element. An exemplary case of an extended-depth-of focus intraocular lens based on the proposed element is described and demonstrated with a numerical experiment.

Automated summary

This article explores the possibility of extending the depth of focus of an imaging lens using an asymmetric quartic phase-mask, while keeping aberration within a relatively low level. The proposed method is suitable for ophthalmic applications, relying on the patient's neural adaptation to their own aberrations for clear imaging. The numerical and experimental results are validated.