An approach for generating the first order structure of multi-movable zoom lens

Abstract This work provides a method to obtain the first order structure of a zoom system based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. The kinematic rule of a zoom system with fixed image plane is described by differential equations. PSO algorithm is introduced to solve the differential equations with considering both the merit functions and the boundary constraint. The smooth of the kinematic function of the zoom system is checked for considering the fabrication feasibility. Examples with two types of zoom system are presented for verifying the proposed method. This approach provides a powerful and practical tool for construction of a zoom structure.