optics

^optics

max reason

optical configurations and designs

I've invented dozens of new optical configurations; some of which are important or significant in certain fields and/or applications. Most of the optical configurations I invented are for astronomical and/or conventional photography and spectroscopy. Most are diffraction limited over fairly large flat fields and intended for wavelengths between ~3200Å to ~10000Å. I designed hundreds of individual optical systems based on my configurations, some were fabricated for one-of-a-kind astronomical / scientific instruments, and others were produced commercially. When complete, this page will describe several of the optical configurations I invented and give specific designs for most of them. I do not have permission to show some of the optical configurations that I developed under contract or subsequently licensed/sold.

All these optical configurations and designs were invented, designed and optimized with optics software that I developed and wrote myself.

simak - photographic maksutov cassegrain

This catadioptric optical configuration contains two spherical mirrors and two spherical lenses. Slight zonal spherical aberration remains when all surfaces are exactly spherical. This residual aberration is usually much less than one wavelength, and often under 1/4 wavelength. This optical configuration is generally chosen for applications where diffraction limited performance is important, in which case the residual zonal spherical aberration should be removed by final figuring of the first or second surface of the front corrector lens. Depending on the application, typical apertures are 1" to 20" and speeds from f/1 and f/8.

This optical configuration is appropriate for conventional and astronomical photography, digital photography, photometry, and spectrography. The two lens elements are typically made of BK7 or another inexpensive precision crown glass, but other materials like quartz and fluorite are appropriate when good transmission of wavelengths shorter than 3200Å is required.

This optical configuration can be well corrected for all aberrations. A properly designed f/6 system gives near diffraction limited images over a 3+ degree flat field from 4000Å to 7000Å. Several of these optical systems have been built (or started), from 2" aperture f/2 spectrograph cameras to a 20" aperture f/6.3 photographic telescope designed to cover up to 8" film / plates / CCDs.

simidt - photographic schmidt cassegrain

This catadioptric optical configuration contains an aspheric Schmidt corrector, a spherical primary mirror, a hyperbolic secondary mirror, and two spherical field corrector lenses. Depending on the application, typical apertures are 1" to 40" and speeds from f/1 to f/8.

This optical configuration is appropriate for conventional and astronomical photography, digital photography, photometry, and spectrography. The front corrector and one of the field corrector lenses are typically made of BK7 or another inexpensive precision crown glass. The field corrector lens further from the image is typically made of SF11 or another inexpensive dense flint glass. The choice of SF11 purposely blocks wavelengths much shorter than 4000Å to avoid ultra-violet aberrations and color effects and produce more color balanced results on conventional photographic materials that are, unlike CCDs, very sensitive to ultra-violet light. For applications where greater ultra-violet transmission is desired, the design can accommodate many optical glasses other than SF11.

This optical configuration can be well corrected for all aberrations. A properly designed f/6 system gives near diffraction limited images over a 3+ degree flat field from 4000Å to 7000Å. Probably several of these optical systems have been built, including two 24" aperture f/6.3 photographic telescopes designed to cover 8" film / plates / CCDs.

hexagon - photographic lens system

This optical system is appropriate for conventional photography, digital photography, and spectroscopy.

super hexagon - photographic lens system

This optical system is appropriate for conventional photography, digital photography, and spectroscopy.

ultra achromat - photovisual lens system

This optical system is appropriate for conventional and astronomical observation, conventional photography, digital photography. It has virtually zero chromatic aberration from 4000Å - 7000Å, no coma, and no lateral chromatic aberration.

super apochromat - photovisual lens system

This optical system is appropriate for conventional and astronomical viewing, conventional photography, digital photography. It has extremely low chromatic aberration from 4000Å - 7000Å, no coma, and no lateral chromatic aberration.

good glass apochromat - photovisual lens system

This optical system is appropriate for conventional and astronomical viewing, conventional photography, digital photography. It has very low chromatic aberration from 4000Å - 7000Å, no coma, and no lateral chromatic aberration.

. . . much more to be added someday . . .