Laser-operated light source

An optical system for use between a laser excited plasma chamber comprising an output window and a transferring optical fiber, comprising:

• collimating optics configured to receive and collimate a plasma image from the plasma chamber via the output window;
• and
• focusing optics configured to receive and focus a collimated image from the collimating optics onto an input plane of the transferring optical fiber,
• wherein the collimating optics and focusing optics are configured to correct aberration introduced by at least one of the output window, the collimating optics, and the focusing optics, and the aberration comprises at least one of the group consisting of chromatic aberration, spherical aberration, and comatic aberration.

A method for designing an optical system for receiving light from a laser excited plasma chamber comprising an output window and a transferring optical fiber, comprising the steps of:

• determining an aberration imparted to light exiting the chamber via the output window;
• designing collimating optics configured to collimate light received from the output window;
• designing focusing optics configured to receive and focus a collimated image from the collimating optics onto an input plane of the transferring optical fiber;
• modeling an optical train comprising the output window, the collimating optics, and the focusing optics;
• determining whether the modeled optical train introduces an optical aberration to light at the input plane of the transferring optical fiber, the aberration comprising at least one of the group consisting of chromatic aberration, spherical aberration, and comatic aberration;
• and
• updating the design of the collimating optics and/or focusing optics to reduce the aberration.