A complete optical systems design course for general optical engineers! Practical optical system layout. The ``first cut'' design of an optical system--anything from a telescope to a complicated VR helmet--is usually not done by a specialist but by a more general optical engineer. This book, drawn from the author's extensive seminar experience, details such basic design techniques in a clear, concise, ``low-math'' way that is sure to be readily accessible to anyone with a working knowledge of optics. It discusses the characteristics of a wide range of optical components, how to determine the type of components to be used, and how to arrange these components so that the system measures up to its performance objectives. Practical, step-by-step coverage includes succinct equations, simple diagrams, and clear explanations. For less experienced designers, the chapter on utilizing stock lenses (to test a concept or to prove out a possible finished device) should be especially useful.

A Practical Guide to Lens Design focuses on the very detailed practical process of lens design. Every step from setup specifications to finalizing the design for production is discussed in a straight forward, tangible way. Design examples of several widely used modern lenses are provided. Optics basics are introduced and basic functions of Zemax are described. Zemax will be used throughout the book.

Unlike the first edition, which was more a collection of lens designs for use in larger projects, the 2nd edition of Modern Lens Design is an optical “how-to.” Delving deep into the mechanics of lens design, optics legend Warren J. Smith reveals time-tested methods for designing top-quality lenses. He deals with lens design software, primarily OSLO, by far the current market leaders, and provides 7 comprehensive worked examples, all new to this edition. With this book in hand, there’s no lens an optical engineer can’t design.

This classic resource provides a clear, well-illustrated introduction to the essentials of optical design-from basic principles to cutting-edge design methods.

A concise introduction to lens design, including the fundamental theory, concepts, methods and tools used in the field. Covering all the essential concepts and providing suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter, this book is an essential resource for graduate students working in optics and photonics.

Praise for the First Edition "Now a new laboratory bible for optics researchers has joined the list: it is Phil Hobbs's Building Electro-Optical Systems: Making It All Work." —Tony Siegman, Optics & Photonics News Building a modern electro-optical instrument may be the most interdisciplinary job in all of engineering. Be it a DVD player or a laboratory one-off, it involves physics, electrical engineering, optical engineering, and computer science interacting in complex ways. This book will help all kinds of technical people sort through the complexity and build electro-optical systems that just work, with maximum insight and minimum trial and error. Written in an engaging and conversational style, this Second Edition has been updated and expanded over the previous edition to reflect technical advances and a great many conversations with working designers. Key features of this new edition include: Expanded coverage of detectors, lasers, photon budgets, signal processing scheme planning, and front ends Coverage of everything from basic theory and measurement principles to design debugging and integration of optical and electronic systems Supplementary material is available on an ftp site, including an additional chapter on thermal Control and Chapter problems highly relevant to real-world design Extensive coverage of high performance optical detection and laser noise cancellation Each chapter is full of useful lore from the author's years of experience building advanced instruments. For more background, an appendix lists 100 good books in all relevant areas, introductory as well as advanced. Building Electro-Optical Systems: Making It All Work, Second Edition is essential reading for researchers, students, and professionals who have systems to build.