TRANSVERSE COLOR TOLERANCES FOR VISUAL OPTICAL-SYSTEMS

We performed psychophysical experiments to determine the effects of tr ansverse chromatic aberration on observer performance through a specia lly designed telescopic system that presents negligible monochromatic aberration. Our results provide the basis for assessing the performanc e of visually coupled lenses in detail. The effect of transverse color on contrast sensitivity is more severe than on resolution. Color effe cts are compared with those of astigmatism: It is shown how one may ma ke detailed predictions of system performance in order to decide on th e necessary balance of aberrations at the design stage.