Astronomical Optics - Hardcover

Schroeder, Daniel J.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0126298106 ISBN 13: 9780126298109

Publisher: Academic Press, 1999

Synopsis

This book provides a unified treatment of the characteristics of telescopes of all types, both those whose performance is set by geometrical aberrations and the effect of the atmosphere, and those diffraction-limited telescopes designed for observations from above the atmosphere. The emphasis throughout is on basic principles, such as Fermat's principle, and their application to optical systems specifically designed to image distant celestial sources.

The book also contains thorough discussions of the principles underlying all spectroscopic instrumentation, with special emphasis on grating instruments used with telescopes. An introduction to adaptive optics provides the needed background for further inquiry into this rapidly developing area.

• Geometrical aberration theory based on Fermat's principle
• Diffraction theory and transfer function approach to near-perfect telescopes
• Thorough discussion of 2-mirror telescopes, including misalignments
• Basic principles of spectrometry; grating and echelle instruments
• Schmidt and other catadioptric telescopes
• Principles of adaptive optics
• Over 220 figures and nearly 90 summary tables

About this title

From the Back Cover:

This book provides a unified treatment of the characteristics of telescopes of all types, including telescopes whose performance is set by geometrical aberrations and the effect of the atmosphere, and those diffraction-limited telescopes designed for observations from above the atmosphere. The emphasis throughout is on basic principles, such as Fermat's principle, and their application to optical systems specifically designed to image distant celestial sources. Astronomical Optics, Second Edition also contains thorough discussions of the principles underlying all spectroscopic instrumentation, giving special emphasis to grating instruments used with telescopes. An introduction to adaptive optics provides the needed background for further inquiry into this rapidly developing area.

About this edition

• Publisher: Academic Press
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0126298106
• ISBN 13: 9780126298109
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 478