Abstract
We explore the possibility of extending the depth of focus of an imaging lens with an
asymmetric quartic phase-mask, while keeping the aberration within a relatively low level. This can be intended, for instance, for ophthalmic applications, where no further digital processing can take place, relying instead on the patient’s neural adaptation to their own aberrations. We propose a computational optimization method to derive the design-strength factor of the asymmetric profile. The numerical and experimental results are shown. The optical experiment was conducted by means of a modulo-2π phase-only spatial light modulator. The proposed combination of the asymmetric mask and the lens can be implemented in a single refractive element. An exemplary case of an extended-depth-of focus intraocular lens based on the proposed element is described and
demonstrated with a numerical experiment.