This Field Guide derives from the treatment of geometrical optics that has evolved from both the undergraduate and graduate programs at the Optical Sciences Center at the University of Arizona. The development is both rigorous and complete, and it features a consistent notation and sign convention. This volume covers Gaussian imagery, paraxial optics, first-order optical system design, system examples, illumination, chromatic effects, and an introduction to aberrations. The appendices provide supplemental material on radiometry and photometry, the human eye, and several other topics.

The process of designing lenses is both an art and a science. While advances in the field over the past two centuries have done much to transform it from the former category to the latter, much of the lens design process remains encapsulated in the experience and knowledge of industry veterans. This SPIE Field Guide provides a working reference for practicing physicists, engineers, and scientists for deciphering the nuances of basic lens design.

A concise, yet deep introduction to geometrical optics, developing the practical skills and research techniques routinely used in modern laboratories. Suitable for both students and self-learners, this accessible text teaches readers how to build their own optical laboratory, and design and perform optical experiments.

Optical imaging starts with geometrical optics, and ray tracing lies at its forefront. This book starts with Fermat’s principle and derives the three laws of geometrical optics from it. After discussing imaging by refracting and reflecting systems, paraxial ray tracing is used to determine the size of imaging elements and obscuration in mirror systems. Stops, pupils, radiometry, and optical instruments are also discussed. The chromatic and monochromatic aberrations are addressed in detail, followed by spot sizes and spot diagrams of aberrated images of point objects. Each chapter ends with a summary and a set of problems. The book ends with an epilogue that summarizes the imaging process and outlines the next steps within and beyond geometrical optics.

This guide provides extensive coverage of microscopic imaging principles. After reviewing the main principles of image formation, diffraction, interference, and polarization used in microscopy, this guide describes the most widely applied microscope configurations and applications. It also covers major system components, including light sources, illumination layouts, microscope optics, and image detection electronics. This guide also provides a comprehensive overview of microscopy techniques, including bright field and dark field imaging, contrast enhancement methods (such as phase and amplitude contrast), DIC, polarization, and fluorescence microscopy. In addition, it describes scanning techniques (such as confocal and multiphoton imaging points); new trends in super-resolution methods (such as 4Pi microscopy, STED, STORM, and structured illumination); and array microscopy, CARS, and SPIM.

Provides a concise overview of physical optics for easy reference, with a focus on information applicable to the field of optical engineering. Within this Field Guide, you will find formulae and descriptions of electromagnetic wave phenomena that are fundamental to the wave theory of light.

The polarization of light is one of the most remarkable phenomena in nature and has led to numerous discoveries and applications. The nature and mathematical formulation of unpolarized light and partially polarized light were not readily forthcoming until the 1950s, when questions about polarized light and the mathematical tools to deal with it began to be addressed in earnest. As a result, there is a very good understanding of polarized light today. The primary objective of this guide is to provide an introduction to the developments in polarized light that have taken place over the past half-century, and present the most salient topics of the subject matter such as Mueller matrices, Stokes polarization parameters, and Jones matrices.

"The Field Guide to Solar Optics attempts to consolidate and summarize optical topics in solar technologies and engineering that are dispersed throughout literature. The field guide also attempts to clarify topics and terms that could be confusing or at times misused. As with any technology area, optics related to solar technologies can be a wide field. The topics selected for this field guide are ones that are frequently encountered in solar engineering and research for energy harvesting, particularly for electricity generation. Therefore, the topics selected are slanted towards solar thermal or commonly called concentrating solar power. The first section of the field guide provides background on energy needs and usage and where solar technologies fit into the energy mix. The next section covers properties of the sun and develop understandings for solar energy collection. The third section introduces optical properties, concepts, and basic components. In the fourth section, the various optical systems used in solar engineering are described. In solar, optical systems used for solar energy collection is commonly referred to as collectors (e.g., collector field). This term is used frequently in this field guide. Another term commonly used for solar collectors is non-imaging optics. The next section introduces concepts for characterizing optical components/systems and analysis approaches. Lastly, measurement tools commonly used in solar engineering and research are described. The fundamentals of the topics are provided. Providing methods or approaches to designs was not the goal of the field guide. However, the fundamental understanding can be extended and used for design of components and systems"--

Includes Proceedings Vols. 5631, 5636, 5637, 5642, 5643

This Field Guide covers the various components and types of active electro-optical sensors - referred to as lidars in the text - from simple 2D direct-detection lidars to multiple subaperture synthetic aperture lidars. Other topics covered include receivers, apertures, atmospheric effects, and appropriate processing of different lidars. Lasers and modulation are presented in terms of their use in lidars. The lidar range equation in its many variations is discussed along with receiver noise issues that determine how much signal must be received to detect an object. This book is a handy reference to quickly look up any aspect of active electro-optical sensors. It will be useful to students, lidar scientists, or engineers needing an occasional reminder of the correct approaches or equations in certain applications, and systems engineers interested in gaining a perspective on this rapidly growing technology.