Optics developers Nexoptic Technology Corp. and Spectrum Optic Inc. have announced a lens stack depth-to-aperture ratio of near 1:1 after completing the trade study phase of their proof of concept (POC) prototype development program. "For over 400 years, general telescope design has not significantly changed,” said John Daugela, president and CEO of Spectrum Optix and Director of Nexoptic. “We aim to enable transformational change in lens designs with our patent pending Blade Optics technology." The trade study phase involved modeling and testing several lens stack design iterations in order to identify the final design for the prototype. Simulated image results obtained using Zemax ray tracing software exceeded the preliminary image quality target for the modeled lens stack design. The study was completed by optical design firm Ruda Cardinal Inc. The next phase of prototype development has begun, and will include completion of final design adjustments to adjust performance capabilities, tolerancing, stray light analysis and fabrication drawings for the optics, the companies said. "Having the trade study behind us is a significant milestone for the companies, as it required lengthy and creative engineering processes,” said Paul McKenzie, CEO of Nexoptic and Director of Spectrum Optix. “In addition to constructing a first-of-its-kind telescope, one of our main goals with our POC prototype is to demonstrate to the marketplace how our technology offers the potential to revolutionize numerous imaging applications and possibly give rise to a new breed of optical products yet to be commercialized." Nexoptic and Spectrum Optix develop optics and lenses for cameras, telescopes, mobile devices, binoculars, computer imaging, medical imaging devices and gaming technology, among other devices.