Mafusire, CosmasKruger, T.P.J. (Tjaart)2017-04-072017-04-072017-03Mafusire, C & Kruger, TPJ 2017, 'Strehl ratio and amplitude-weighted generalized orthonormal Zernike-based polynomials', Applied Optics, vol. 56, no. 8, pp. 2336-2345.1559-128X (print)2155-3165 (online)10.1364/AO.56.002336http://hdl.handle.net/2263/59720The concept of orthonormal polynomials is revisited by developing a Zernike-based orthonormal set for a non-circular pupil that is transmitting an aberrated, non-uniform field. We refer to this pupil as a general pupil. The process is achieved by using the matrix form of the Gram–Schmidt procedure on Zernike circle polynomials and is interpreted as a process of balancing each Zernike circle polynomial by adding those of lower order in the general pupil, a procedure which was previously performed using classical aberrations. We numerically demonstrate this concept by comparing the representation of phase in a square-Gaussian pupil using the Zernike-Gauss square and Zernike circle polynomials. As expected, using the Strehl ratio, we show that only specific lower-order aberrations can be used to balance specific aberrations, for example, tilt cannot be used to balance spherical aberration. In the process, we present a possible definition of the Maréchal criterion for the analysis of the tolerance of systems with apodized pupils.en© 2017 Optical Society of AmericaZernike-based polynomialsGram SchmidtMaréchal criterionPostprint Article