Design and engineering verification of an ultrashort throw ratio projection system with a freeform mirror

Abstract

A refractive-reflective combined ultrashort throw ratio projection optical system is designed. We use a freeform mirror to shorten the projection distance and correct distortion, and a plane mirror to turn back the optical path and reduce system volume. The projection system design method combines refractive lens group design and freeform surface mirror design with integrated optimization. The system's throw ratio is 0.11 with a projection distance of 320 mm and a 130 in. (1 in.=25.4 mm) screen size, which illustrates the advantages of the low throw ratio. The system's maximum distortion is 0.07%. To demonstrate the proposed system's performance, a prototype is developed. Experimental results confirm that the system performs excellently while meeting the design requirements. The system's advantages include low throw ratio, excellent imaging quality, miniaturization, and engineering feasibility.