Case Study: Seattle Photonics Associates achieves high-resolution, compact curved‑focal‑plane lens systems with Synopsys CODE V

Seattle Photonics Advancing Complex Optics with CODE V

Seattle Photonics, a specialist in high-end, complex optical systems, was asked—working with Microsoft Research—to design a prototype F/1.2, 8 mm focal-length lens that would couple to a curved focal plane array with an extremely high Nyquist spatial frequency (~400 lp/mm). The project aimed to minimize element count by relying on multiple aspheric surfaces instead of correcting field curvature, which created very tight surface-figure and mid-spatial-frequency tolerances that had to be accounted for during design and assembly.

Using Synopsys CODE V, the team imported vendor metrology interference files, mapped them onto the aspheric surfaces, and manipulated those data within the model to reflect actual fabrication errors. By optimizing the system while allowing optical surfaces to clock in their mounts and employing compensators, Seattle Photonics delivered four units on schedule — each achieving excellent optical performance and meeting the project specifications.

Seattle Photonics Associates

Ned Nestorovic

President + Chief Optical Engineer