1st Edition

Aberrations of Optical Systems

By W.T Welford Copyright 1986
    296 Pages 49 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    Although the subject of optical design as a branch of applied physics is over one hundred years old, the use of aberration theory has changed considerably. Aberrations of Optical Systems covers elementary optics and aberration theory of various optical systems, including the use of nonaxially symmetric systems and diffractive optical elements in complex designs, such as head-up displays and the increasing use of scanning systems with laser illumination. The book provides the complete range of mathematical tools, formulae, and derivations needed for understanding the process of optical design and for planning optical design programs. While the treatment is mainly based on geometrical optics, some excursions into physical optics are made, particularly in connection with the problems of optical tolerances.

    Optical systems and ideal optical images. Geometrical optics. Gaussian optics. Finite raytracing. Finite raytracing through non-symmetrical systems. Optical invariants. Monochromatic aberrations. Calculation of the Seidel aberrations. Finite aberration formulae. Chromatic aberration. Primary aberrations of unsymmetrical systems and of holographic optical elements. Thin lens aberrations. Optical tolerances.

    Biography

    Welford, W.T