Design and analysis of an image transfer system using microlens arrays

Efficient large-aperture lens elements are required for 3-D integral imaging and display systems. A systematic evaluation of the spatial resolution capabilities of microlens optical combinations and the synthesis of a large-aperture objective lens by a segmented lens form is reported. It is shown that by employing an optical combination comprising macrolens arrays in conjunction with microlens focusing screens a suitable transmission element, which retains the required angular and lateral resolution, can be constructed. The advantage of using segmented lenses is their capacity to produce spatially inverted, scaled images suitable for direct orthoscopic capture. The analysis of spatial resolution presented by various authors is examined and evaluated by comparison with collated evidence.