Patent ID: 8488044
Filing Date: 2013-07-16
Classification: G02B,G06K

Abstract:
1. An imaging system for imaging an object within an extended depth-of-field (EDOF) at an imaging wavelength λ and with an average modulation transfer function (MTF), comprising: an optical system having an optical axis and consisting of a single lens element and an aperture stop arranged objectwise of the single lens element, the optical system having an amount of spherical aberration SA such that 0.2λ≦SA≦5λ when forming an image of the object, the single lens element being made of a glass or plastic material that generates an amount of axial chromatic aberration that increases the EDOF up to 20% while decreasing the average MTF of the optical system by no more than 25%, relative to the optical system having no chromatic aberration, the aperture stop being located at an axial position that substantially minimizes comatic aberration; and an image sensor arranged to receive the raw image and form therefrom a digitized electronic raw image.