c50ebd2e   
   From: ron@gibbsassociates.co.uk   
      
   "Michael Koch"  wrote in message   
   news:7605e3a1-dba5-4d2d-b3db-f0ff5d7d7b2f@s18g2000vby.googlegroups.com...   
      
   Hi,   
      
   let's assume we know the wavefront error (phase map) of an optical   
   system, for example a parabolical mirror. We know the phase for each   
   point on the surface, or with other words we know all Zernike   
   coefficients. With these input data it's possible to calculate the   
   PSF.   
   Question: Is the PSF equivalent to the image of a star, taken with   
   this optical system? Or is the PSF only based on wave optics, while   
   geometrical optical effects (transversal abberations) are neglected?   
      
   Michael   
      
   By definition, PSF is the star image. I guess your question relates to   
   calculation of PSF from Zernikes. In Zemax, there are several ways of   
   modelling a surface using Zernike coefficients, and PSF is accurately   
   calculated using FFT (quicker) or Huygens (more accurate in some   
   circumstances), taking into account aberrations and diffraction. I don't see   
   the problem.   
      
   Ron   
   www.gibbsassociates.co.uk   
      
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