• Korean Journal of Optics and Photonics
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.156-165
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• 2009

We theoretically derive the set of general paraxial zoom locus equations for all zoom lens systems with finite object distance, including the infinite object distance case, by using the Gaussian bracket method and matrix representation of paraxial ray tracing. We make the zoom locus program by means of a numerical calculation method according to these equations in Visual Basic Language. Consequently, the solutions of this method can be consistently and flexibly used in all types of zoom lens in the step of initial design about zoom loci. Finally, in order to verify the justification and usefulness of this method, we show that two examples, such as $M_{4a}$ and $M_{4h}$ types of 4 groups, and one example, $M_{5n}$ type of 5 groups, which are very complicated zoom lens systems, can be rapidly and diversely traced through various interpolations by using this program.