Radiometry in a Lens System

Abstract

Lens systems produce images by transferring radiant energy. At any plane transverse to the optical axis in an optical system there is a light distribution that may be subject to specifications. The light distribution is modeled with the laws of radiometry. To have a broader understanding about how optical systems work it is relevant to discuss how radiometric aspects impact the design of a lens system. In particular, we are concerned with the light distribution at the exit pupil and image planes. This chapter discusses basic and useful radiometric concepts in a lens system.