Abstract: A technique for designing a multipass optical cell utilizes an iterative artificial intelligence-based optimization process based upon evaluation of direct ray tracing with mirrors simulated as having true spherical surfaces (i.e., defined as a “thick lens”) to identify particular cell configurations that result in creating spot patterns which fill a significant portion of the surface of each mirror without significant spot overlap. This technique allows the use of relatively simple, low-cost spherical mirrors while providing the desired dense spot patterns.

Abstract: A technique for designing a multipass optical cell utilizes an iterative artificial intelligence-based optimization process based upon evaluation of direct ray tracing with mirrors simulated as having true spherical surfaces (i.e., defined as a “thick lens”) to identify particular cell configurations that result in creating spot patterns which fill a significant portion of the surface of each mirror without significant spot overlap. This technique allows the use of relatively simple, low-cost spherical mirrors while providing the desired dense spot patterns.

Abstract: An optical multipass cell (MPC) configuration is presented that utilizes pairs of split spherical mirrors to provide a beam pattern density on the order of a pure astigmatic arrangement without the need to utilize specially-ground and aligned astigmatic mirrors. Relatively inexpensive spherical mirrors are “split” into at least pairs, and tilted inward along the optical axis. Each mirror half may be tilted at a common angle or, alternatively, each mirror half may be positioned at a unique tilt angle. The spot pattern density is on the order of a pure astigmatic cell, but at a significantly reduced cost.