Phase-space representation of the Strehl ratio: ambiguity function

Abstract

The irradiance distribution along the optical axis, or the Strehl ratio versus defocus, of a rotationally symmetric system is described in terms of a phase-space representation: Woodward’s ambiguity function. We show that the Fourier spectrum of the Strehl ratio versus defocus for variable spherical aberration can be analyzed from a single picture. This result is applied to analyze the use of shade pupils for reducing the influence of spherical aberration.