Lens Design Basics: Optical design problem-solving in theory and practice

This book gives a comprehensive overview of the principles of optical imaging. The first seven chapters provide an extensive summary of optical design, as well as the mechanisms and interrelations leading to the formation of aberrations and the accompanying decrease in imaging performance. Aside from the fundamentals of optics and imaging models, topics covered include calculations of simple optical components and systems, characterisation and quantification of aberrations and defects in optical systems, and optimisation of imaging performance. The second part focuses on problem-based learning via multiple exercises and case examples derived from the first seven chapters. It is an ideal guide for optics and photonics students.

Key Features

• Provides a comprehensive, simplified overview of optical imaging
• Focuses on practical training by providing worked examples, case studies and exercises including solutions
• Presents interrelationships and dependencies in optical systems by visualisation via free software
• Contains chapter summaries listing the most important aspects
• Includes a formulary and further reading list

This is a book on optical lens design, mainly covering the basics of optical system design. Theory is discussed along with practical approaches for solving particular imaging situations. Several case studies also help to illustrate the fundamentals. The reader will gain an understanding of the purposes for many different types of lenses and how to use them to design an optical system.

This book would interest those wanting to learn how to design optical lens systems. It contains the fundamentals to get a beginner designing their own system. The related software is very helpful to get started.

John J. Shea 2021 IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine, IEEE

Christoph Gerhard is a professor of physics and instrumental analytics and is the head of the Laboratory of Analytical Measurement Technology at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Göttingen, Germany. He has published more than 50 articles on optics and optical system design. This is his fourth textbook in the field of optics.