OPTISCHE ELEMENTE MIT GRADIENTENINDEX UND KATADIOPTRISCHE OPTISCHE SYSTEME

The present invention relates to an optical element and catadioptric optical systems using the optical element. The optical element has a spherical surface with a reflective layer formed on at least a portion of the surface, and is formed of a radiant energy transmitting material having a radial gradient index of refraction. The catadioptric optical systems include at least two optical elements at least one of which is refractive, and at least one of which has a gradient index therein. One optical system includes first and second optical elements disposed sequentially along a longitudinal axis of the system. The second optical element is the optical element with the gradient index. The first optical element is formed of a homogeneous light transmitting material and includes a spherical surface, and a reflective layer formed on a central portion of one of the spherical surface.