Optimization of quasi-conformal transformation optics lenses with an arbitrary GRIN-capable ray tracer

Quasi-conformal Transformation Optics (QCTO) has been proposed as a design technique for flattened or compressed optical and RF lenses. QCTO devices may be realized using all-dielectric gradient-index structures, which simplifies implementation and improves bandwidth for structures at optical wavelengths by avoiding the requirement for metamaterial design and fabrication. However, replacing one or more conventional homogeneous optical lenses by a QCTO equivalent is not as simple as a single-step design from performance specification to a drop-in replacement lens. Optimizations must be performed over the QCTO transformation in order to achieve equivalent optical performance under index and fabrication constraints. This abstract presents an optimization procedure for QCTO lenses that makes use of a ray tracing tool that supports arbitrary numerically-specified GRIN profiles for electrically large structures.