Abstract
Schlieren imaging is widely adopted in applications where fluid
dynamics features are of interest. However, traditional Z-type
schlieren systems utilizing on-axis mirrors generally require large
system footprints due to the need to use high f-number mirrors. In
this context, off-axis parabolic (OAP) mirrors provide an attractive
alternative for permitting the use of smaller f-number optics, but
well-documented methodologies for designing schlieren systems with OAP
mirrors are lacking. The present work outlines a ray-tracing-based
workflow applied to the design of a modified Z-type schlieren system
utilizing OAP mirrors. The ray-tracing analysis evaluates the defocus
and distortion introduced by schlieren optics. The results are used
along with system size and illumination efficiency considerations to
inform the selection of optimal optical components capable of
producing high-quality schlieren images while minimizing the system
footprint. As a step-by-step demonstration of the design methodology,
an example schlieren system design is presented. The example schlieren
design achieved an image resolution of 1.1 lp/mm at 50% contrast, with
a 60% reduction in system length compared to traditional Z-type
systems with f/8 mirrors; distortion characterizations of the designed
schlieren system showed good agreement with ray-tracing predictions,
and the distortion can be corrected through image post-processing. The
current work provides a systematic approach for the design of compact
schlieren systems with OAP mirrors and demonstrates the utility of
this underutilized option.
Funder
National Science Foundation
Subject
Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics,Engineering (miscellaneous),Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Cited by
10 articles.
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