• Korean Journal of Optics and Photonics
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.9-17
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• 2024

A plenoptic optical system for microscopy comprises an objective lens, tube lens, microlens array (MLA), and an image sensor. Numerical aperture (NA) matching between the tube lens and MLA is used for optimal performance. This paper extends performance predictions from NA matching to unmatching cases and introduces a computational technique for plenoptic configurations using optical analysis software. Validation by fabricating and experimenting with two sample systems at 10× and 20× magnifications resulted in predicted spatial resolutions of 12.5 ㎛ and 6.2 ㎛ and depth of field (DOF) values of 530 ㎛ and 88 ㎛, respectively. The simulation showed resolutions of 11.5 ㎛ and 5.8 ㎛, with DOF values of 510 ㎛ and 70 ㎛, while experiments confirmed predictions with resolutions of 11.1 ㎛ and 5.8 ㎛ and DOF values of 470 ㎛ and 70 ㎛. Both formula-based prediction and simulations yielded similar results to experiments that were suitable for system design. However, regarding DOF values, simulations were closer to experimental values in accuracy, recommending reliance on simulation-based predictions before fabrication.