Variable focal length optical element and optical system using the same
First Claim
1. A variable focal length optical element having at least one continuous rotationally asymmetric surface, wherein an optical power is variable by selecting an optical path through an aperture.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An optical system capable of focal length adjustment and so forth with a simple arrangement in which a desired portion of an optical element is selectively utilized by moving an aperture in a direction approximately perpendicular to the optical axis. The optical system has at least two optical elements and includes a first unit positioned at the object side to form a first image and a second unit for projecting the first image onto an image plane. A deflecting mirror for selecting an optical path is positioned in the vicinity of the first image. The first or second unit is formed from a variable focal length optical element having at least two continuous rotationally asymmetric surfaces.
39 Citations
14 Claims
- 1. A variable focal length optical element having at least one continuous rotationally asymmetric surface, wherein an optical power is variable by selecting an optical path through an aperture.
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4. An optical system having at least two optical elements, said optical system comprising:
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a first unit positioned at an object side of said optical system to form a first image;
a second unit for projecting said first image onto an image plane; and
optical path selecting means for selecting an optical path, said optical path selecting means being positioned in a vicinity of said first image;
wherein one of said first unit and said second unit comprises a variable focal length optical element having at least two continuous rotationally asymmetric surfaces. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7)
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- 8. A variable focal length optical element having at least one discontinuous rotationally asymmetric surface, wherein an optical power is variable by selecting an optical path through an aperture.
Specification