Fast Metasurface Hybrid Lens Design using a Semi-Analytical Model

TL;DR

This paper introduces a semi-analytical model for integrating metasurfaces into optical design, enabling faster and more efficient system optimization by combining metasurfaces with ray-tracing software.

Contribution

A novel semi-analytical modeling approach that allows metasurfaces to be used within traditional ray-tracing optical design software for rapid system optimization.

Findings

Achieved similar optical performance with metasurface-integrated triplet systems.

Demonstrated versatility of the method across different optical configurations.

Enabled faster design iterations by integrating metasurfaces into existing software.

Abstract

We propose a new method for integrating metasurfaces in optical design using semi-analytical modelling of dielectric nanostructures. The latter computes the output phase of an electric field incident on the metasurface, allowing their use with ray-tracing software. This tool provides a method to use metasurfaces in optical systems while using built-in optimization processes to avoid time-consuming computation. To demonstrate the applicability and versatility of our method, we present variations of a triplet composed of refractive elements and a metasurface. For each of the systems, similar optical performances are achieved. Our unique and innovative approach to joining metasurfaces and ray tracing has the potential to promote the design of innovative systems by exploiting the richness of metasurfaces and the functionality of conventional lens design software.