Optical Design

Optical Design & Analysis Services

Contrast Optical is dedicated to the art of optical design and analysis. Our experience is broad and varied. We have worked on traditional lens designs such as zoom lenses, beam expanders, refractive telephoto lenses, off-axis systems, and many reflective and catadioptric telescope designs. Additionally, we are well versed in all aspects of ZEMAX including sequential and non-sequential design.

In addition to traditional ZEMAX analysis and design, Contrast can also produce customized ZPL Macros to help you work more efficiently with ZEMAX. Below are a few projects and examples along with more details on our optical design services. We have several examples of our optical design capabilities below. We have broken up our examples into Imaging Systems and Non-Imaging Stystems.

Imaging Systems

Powered optics (lenses, mirrors, diffractive elements) are used to create real or imaginary images. Imaging systems comprise most of the typical optical systems we think about, such as telescopes, cameras, night-vision, microscopes, viewfinders, wearable displays, contact lenses and many more. See some examples...

Non-Imaging Systems

Getting light to where you want it to can be more challenging than you might think. Non-Imaging Optics is mainly concerned with the optimal transfer of light from a source to a target, but is also encompasses the study of stray and scattered light. LED flashlights, laser illuminators, solar concentrators, laser welding, display backlights, and automotive headlights are some of the more typical non-imaging optical systems. See some examples...

DNO Series Optical Mounts

Contrast is pleased to introduce the DNO Series optical mounts (patent pending). Based on years of experience aligning and mounting optics, we have designed an optical mount that meets our demanding needs for precision, stability and pure functionality.

With our DNO series mounts, when the adjustment is complete, there is no need for a separate locking mechanism. Our patented posi-drive adjustment mechanism automatically locks in place as soon as you stop turning the adjustment knob. Learn more...

Contrast Optical Design & Engineering, Inc., Cedar Crest, New Mexico 505.286.8338