Optical design and multi-objective optimization with fuzzy method for miniature zoom optics

In this paper a thinning L-type zoom lens design was proposed to exploit the reflecting and refracting surfaces connected by a prism. However, in the L-type designs, the modulation transfer function (MTF) value is comparatively low compared with that in its coaxial counterparts. If we increase the MTF, that would cause the relative illuminace (RI) degradation. We propose a combination of the Taguchi method and fuzzy approach to improve both the RI and MTF in L-type zoom systems. The resulting experimental values of orthogonal array L9 of the Taguchi method were used as inputs for fuzzy approach to obtain the MPCI value. The MPCI value was then analyzed by variance, revealing that the two most significant factors were (1) the surface 7 to image length and (2) the semi-aperture of the front element. In our proposed method, the appropriate weight of MTF and RI for the inputs of fuzzy controllers increased the MTF by 3.74%, but the RI only reduced by 0.13% in the systematic wide-angle end, respectively.

Research highlights
► In this paper a thinning L-type zoom lens design was proposed to exploit the reflecting and refracting surfaces connected by a prism.
► We propose a combination of the Taguchi method and fuzzy approach to improve both the RI and MTF in L-type zoom systems.
► The resulting experimental values of orthogonal array L9 of the Taguchi method were used as inputs for fuzzy approach to obtain the MPCI value.
► In our proposed method, the appropriate weight of MTF and RI for the inputs of fuzzy controllers increased the MTF by 3.74%, but the RI only reduced by 0.13% in the systematic wide-angle end, respectively.