Alternative computation of the Seidel aberration coefficients using the Lie algebraic method.

Abstract

We give a brief introduction to Hamiltonian optics and Lie algebraic methods. We use these methods to describe the operators governing light propagation, refraction, and reflection in phase space. The method offers a systematic way to find aberration coefficients of any order for arbitrary rotationally symmetric optical systems. The coefficients from the Lie method are linked to the Seidel aberration coefficients. Furthermore, the property of summing individual surface contributions is preserved by the Lie algebraic theory. Two examples are given to validate the proposed methodology with good results.