1 - INTRODUCTION: THE ART AND SCIENCE OF DESIGN
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 June 2012
Summary
Science and Art in Optical Design
The process of optical design is both an art and a science. There is no closed algorithm that creates a lens, nor is there any computer program that will create useful lens designs without general guidance from an optical designer. The mechanics of computation are available within a computer program, but the inspiration and guidance for a useful solution to a customer's problems come from the lens designer. A successful lens must be based upon technically sound principles. The most successful designs include a blend of techniques and technologies that best meet the goals of the customer. This final blending is guided by the judgment of the designer.
Let us start by looking at a lens design. Figure 1.1 shows the layout of a photographic type of lens, showing some of the ray paths through the lens. The object is located a long distance (100,000,000mm) to the left. This is what the computer program considers equivalent to an infinite object distance. The bundles of rays from each object point enter the lens as parallel bundles of rays. Each ray bundle passes through the lens and is focused toward an image point. On the lens shown, the field covered is 21° half width, which defines the size of the object that will be imaged by the lens.
The diameter of the bundles of light rays entering the lens determines the brightness of the image, and is established by the aperture stop of the lens.
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- The Art and Science of Optical Design , pp. 1 - 23Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 1997