Optical design using computer graphics

For decades the computer has been the primary tool used for optical design. Typical tasks include performing numerical calculations for ray tracing an d analysis and rendering graphics for system drawings. As machines become f aster with each new generation, the time needed for a particular design tas k has greatly reduced, allowing multiple assignments to be performed with l ittle noticeable delay. This lets the designer modify a system and then imm ediately see the results rendered in graphics with a single motion. Such vi sual design methods are discussed here, where graphics of systems and plots relating to their performance are produced in real time, permitting the op tical designer to design by pictures. Three examples are given: an educatio nal tutorial for designing a simple microscope objective, an unobstructed r eflective telescope composed of three spherical mirrors, and a modified Off ner relay with an accessible pupil. (C) 2001 Optical Society of America.