A least-squares method for a Monge-Ampère equation with non-quadratic cost function applied to optical design

Abstract

Freeform optical surfaces can transfer a given light distribution of the source into a desired distribution at the target. Freeform optical design problems can be formulated as a Monge-Ampère type differential equation with transport boundary condition, using properties of geometrical optics, conservation of energy, and the theory of optimal mass transport. We present a least-squares method to compute freeform lens surfaces corresponding to a non-quadratic cost function. The numerical algorithm is capable to compute both convex and concave surfaces.