Foundations of Optical System Analysis and Design

Since the incorporation of scientific approach in tackling problems of optical instrumentation, analysis and design of optical systems constitute a core area of optical engineering. A large number of software with varying level of scope and applicability is currently available to facilitate the task. However, possession of an optical design software, per se, is no guarantee for arriving at correct or optimal solutions. The validity and/or optimality of the solutions depend to a large extent on proper formulation of the problem, which calls for correct application of principles and theories of optical engineering. On a different note, development of proper experimental setups for investigations in the burgeoning field of optics and photonics calls for a good understanding of these principles and theories.

With this backdrop in view, this book presents a holistic treatment of topics like paraxial analysis, aberration theory, Hamiltonian optics, ray-optical and wave-optical theories of image formation, Fourier optics, structural design, lens design optimization, global optimization etc. Proper stress is given on exposition of the foundations.

The proposed book is designed to provide adequate material for 'self-learning' the subject. For practitioners in related fields, this book is a handy reference.

• A holistic approach to lens system analysis and design with stress on foundations
• Basic knowledge of ray and wave optics for tackling problems of instrumental optics
• Proper explanation of approximations made at different stages
• Sufficient illustrations for facilitation of understanding
• Techniques for reducing the role of heuristics and empiricism in optical/lens design
• A sourcebook on chronological development of related topics across the globe

This book is composed as a reference book for graduate students, researchers, faculty, scientists and technologists in R & D centres and industry, in pursuance of their understanding of related topics and concepts during problem solving in the broad areas of optical, electro-optical and photonic system analysis and design.