Analyzing wavelength behavior of a cubic phase mask imaging system based on modulation transfer function

The wavefront coding technology is an effectively method for extending the depth of field. However, the phase delayed by the phase mask changes with light wavelength, and the chromatic aberration is caused by chromatic dispersion of the optical elements. The modulation transfer function (MTF) of the cubic phase mask (CPM) system is derived with considering the axial chromatic aberration and optical path difference variation with wavelength, and the wavelength behavior of CPM system is analyzed in details. We yield that the MTF is approximately wavelength invariant within a certain frequency bandwidth, and the bandwidth is nearly inverse proportional to wavelength and varies with axial chromatic aberration. The effect induced by dispersion of the CPM material is very weak. If the CPM system is illuminated by wideband spectral light and the ACA exists, then the frequency bandwidth may become narrower than the monochromatic case, and the position of image sensor can be relocated to balance frequency bandwidth among all wavelengths.