This paper describes various analytical and numerical tools for evaluating optical system designs under thermal-mechanical environ-ments. These analytical tools provide either direct input into optical design, heat transfer and finite element programs, or provide information for evaluating various aspects of optical component selection. Several case studies are presented demonstrating the use of these tools in a wide range of applications. These studies suggest an integrated approach to evaluating optical systems. Ultimately an integrated system of analysis programs with common data access is envisioned. This will enable the entire process of optical system design, component evaluation, and analysis, performance predic-tions and system optimization to be performed in a common environment.

Date Published: 31 October 1986
PDF: 7 pages
Proc. SPIE 0655, Optical System Design, Analysis, Production for Advanced Technology Systems, (31 October 1986); doi: 10.1117/12.938432

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 0655:
Optical System Design, Analysis, Production for Advanced Technology Systems
Robert E. Fischer; Philip J. Rogers, Editor(s)