Lateral-shift variable aberration generators

We describe and analyze an optical device capable of generating tilt, defoc us, astigmatism, coma, and spherical aberration wave-front deformation. Thi s optical device consists of a pair of aspheric plates that produce aberrat ions by laterally shifting one plate relative to the other. The surface des criptions of these optical plates are provided, and their aberration-induci ng properties are verified with ray-tracing software. In addition, we exami ne the versatility and the limitations of using variable aberration generat ors and provide insight into how aberrations may be controlled by a simple lateral shift. The device may find application in aberration control in len s systems that are nonrotationally symmetric. (C) 1999 Optical Society of A merica.