Mathematical simulation of the technology and properties of gradient spherical lenses

The possibilities of improving the optical characteristics of spherical len ses with an axial refractive index gradient are analyzed. The refractive in dex profile obtained as a result of the Fickian-diffusion exchange of molec ules through a flat boundary of the medium is considered. It is shown for t he specific polymer system polydiallyl isophthalate plus polymethyl methacr ylate (PMMA) that the spherical aberrations can be reduced by almost an ord er of magnitude in comparison to the aberrations of a homogeneous lens of t he same geometric shape made from PMMA. (C) 1998 American Institute of Phys ics. [S1063-7842(98)01210-0].