Handbook of Optical Design

This classroom-tested reference is an invaluable resource for students, engineers, and scientists in the field of optical technology and applications. In one volume, it covers the fundamentals of geometric optics and their application to lens design. The book incorporates classic aspects along with modern methods, tools, and instruments. It offers practical details and specifications for optical system design, in addition to the latest computing techniques to evaluate them. The third edition includes new and updated material, more design examples, and clearer figures, some now in color.

Handbook of Optical Design, Third Edition covers the fundamental principles of geometric optics and their application to lens design in one volume. It incorporates classic aspects of lens design along with important modern methods, tools, and instruments, including contemporary astronomical telescopes, Gaussian beams, and computer lens design. Written by respected researchers, the book has been extensively classroom-tested and developed in their lens design courses.

This well-illustrated handbook clearly and concisely explains the intricacies of optical system design and evaluation. It also discusses component selection, optimization, and integration for the development of effective optical apparatus. The authors analyze the performance of a wide range of optical materials, components, and systems, from simple magnifiers to complex lenses used in photography, ophthalmology, telescopes, microscopes, and projection systems. Throughout, the book includes a wealth of design examples, illustrations, and equations, most of which are derived from basic principles. Appendices supply additional background information.

What’s New in This Edition

• Improved figures, including 32 now in color
• Updates throughout, reflecting advances in the field
• New material on Buchdahl high-order aberrations
• Expanded and improved coverage of the calculation of wavefront aberrations based on optical path
• An updated list of optical materials in the appendix
• A clearer, more detailed description of primary aberrations
• References to important new publications
• Optical system design examples updated to include newly available glasses
• 25 new design examples

This comprehensive book combines basic theory and practical details for the design of optical systems. It is an invaluable reference for optical students as well as scientists and engineers working with optical instrumentation.