Optimum design of cam curve of zoom system based on Zemax

Cam curve design is an indispensable step for a zoom system design. A novel method of designing cam curve based on Zemax is presented in this article. By utilizing Zemax programming language (ZPL) to create a program, which can accurately produce the data and shape of a cam curve, and obtain the curve fitting equation of the cam curve by using least squares method. Meanwhile, the program can figure out the continuous change of MTF during the whole zooming process, which helps us to evaluate the optical performance and imaging characters at any focal length for a zoom system. It can improve the efficiency and accuracy of a zoom system design, which has significant value for engineering application.