An inverse design method for generalized zero-\'etendue sources and two targets

TL;DR

This paper introduces an inverse design method for creating freeform optical surfaces that can transform complex light distributions from two sources into two targets, applicable to reflectors or lenses.

Contribution

It develops a novel inverse approach using Jacobian equations and a least-squares algorithm to design surfaces for generalized zero-étendue sources and multiple targets.

Findings

Successfully designed complex freeform optical surfaces

Demonstrated control over spatial and directional light properties

Validated method with examples of complex distributions

Abstract

We present an inverse method to compute freeform optical surfaces that transform a light distribution, parameterized by two source planes, into two separate target distributions. The surfaces can be reflectors or lenses, and control both the spatial and directional source and target coordinates of light rays. From energy conservation we derive Jacobian equations for optical mappings, and the optical path length provides generating functions for the optical surfaces. A three-stage least-squares algorithm numerically solves the resulting equations. We present examples with complex source and target distributions.