Any single element or multi-element group can be easily reversed using the Reverse Elements tool in the Lens Data Editor:

 

 

Any single element or multi-element group can be easily reversed using the Reverse Elements tool in the Lens Data Editor:

 

 

However, the object and image thicknesses must be manually reversed, and the field and aperture definitions may require manual conversion as well. Complications may also arise if your system includes coordinate breaks, mirrors, tilts and decenters, non-standard surfaces, or use of the multi-configuration tool. Also note that any solves will be removed once the Reverse Elements tool takes effect.

For more information and a more in-depth example, please refer to the Knowledgebase article “How to reverse an optical system”.

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Black boxes also cannot be reversed, and in fact cannot be used in a thickness-flipped system even if they are pointed physically in their correct orientation. In other words, even turning the black box around so the rays are going through in the correct direction, if the black box is intended for positive thicknesses, then it requires a positive thickness to it, and if it is designed for a negative thickness, then it requires a negative thickness leading to it.

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