A Differentiable Wave Optics Model for End-to-End Computational Imaging System Optimization

End-to-end optimization, which integrates differentiable optics simulators with computational algorithms, enables the joint design of hardware and software in data-driven imaging systems. However, existing methods usually compromise physical accuracy by neglecting wave optics or off-axis effects due to the high computational cost of modeling both aberration and diffraction. This limitation raises concerns about the robustness of optimized designs. In this paper, we propose a differentiable optics simulator that accurately and efficiently models aberration and diffraction in compound optics and allows us to analyze the role and impact of diffraction in end-to-end optimization. Experimental results demonstrate that compared with ray-optics-based optimization, diffraction-aware optimization improves system robustness to diffraction blur. Through accurate wave optics modeling, we also apply the simulator to optimize the Fizeau interferometer and free form optics elements. These findings underscore the importance of accurate wave optics modeling in robust end-to-end optimization.