Optical Misalignment: Estimating Error and Its Impact on Focal Length

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on estimating the error caused by angular misalignment of lenses in an optical arrangement and its impact on focal length. It is established that while slight angular misalignment does not significantly alter the focal length, it introduces aberrations such as astigmatism and tilts the focal plane. The conversation references the behavior of a laser system with two lenses and emphasizes the importance of understanding how misalignment affects light convergence.

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  • Understanding of optical systems and lens behavior
  • Knowledge of aberrations, specifically astigmatism
  • Familiarity with focal length concepts in optics
  • Basic principles of laser optics
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  • Study the mathematical modeling of optical systems with misaligned components
  • Explore methods for measuring angular misalignment in optical setups
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Optical engineers, physicists, and anyone involved in designing or analyzing optical systems will benefit from this discussion.

TW Cantor
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Hi all

I was just wondering if anyone could help me with estimating error caused by misalignment of an optical arrangement. I am interested in how the focal length of this arrangement will be affected by say a misalignment of just one of the lenses. I'll assume that every component is aligned in the horizontal and vertical and that it is just a slight angular misalignment.

Say I have a laser followed by two lenses. Is there an equation to find the focal length of the system when the first lens is out of alignment by x degrees? Or will it actually have little effect on the focal length and just move the position of the focal point?

Any help would be appreciated
 
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I don't think it will have any effect on the focal length, but it would introduce aberrations in the converging light cone and the focal plane may be tilted slightly.
 

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