optics-discussion

In our brief study of optics we used several approximations to make our calculations easier. However, as we know physics often makes assumptions (at this level) that do not exactly hold up well in reality. In experimental optics many of these problems are evident when trying to focus an image. Many of these issues are called optical aberrations. In fact some of you may be familiar with them if you have astigmatism as our eye acts in many ways a thin lens. In this discussion post, you will read about the different types of optical aberrations, the effects that they have on images, and some ways that they can be corrected.

This discussion post will be worth 2 points to your final grade. Correspondingly, it should be twice as long as the previous discussion post.

Your post should be a minimum of 200 words. These posts should be thoughtful (using excessive ‘fluff’ words, writing off-topic, etc. will lead to an incomplete score). It is not necessary to derive any equations or do any calculations. I am only looking for a practical, theoretical understanding. These posts will be graded as either complete or incomplete. A ‘complete’ grade will result in one additional point being added to your final grade in the course.

(Feel free to use other sources, but please be sure to reference them)

1. What are the various types of optical aberrations?

2. How do the different types of aberrations effect images?

3. What are some ways that aberrations are corrected?

4. What are some common devices that you think might include aberration correction?

5. How do eyeglasses work, and what problems do they fix?

6. Any other relevant questions you may be able to think of.