Aspheric Optics: Design, Fabrication, and Test
This course gives attendees a broad and practical understanding of aspheric surfaces and components. Aspheric, or non-spherical surfaces, in a lens and or mirror system can significantly improve the optical performance. However, potential liabilities are increased costs, longer delivery times, and fabrication issues. The course begins with lens design, specifically how and when to incorporate aspherics into a variety of lens designs. Performance benefits of aspherics are discussed as well as their limitations. Fabrication of aspherics and recommendations for specifying aspherics are covered. Several methods for predicting performance of systems with asphere induced wavefront irregularities will be demonstrated. Testing of aspherics will also be discussed.

Learning Outcomes
Attending this course will enable one to:

• Identify when and where in a lens and or mirror design to consider aspheric surfaces
• Specify an aspheric component and predict performance
• Optimize a design using aspherics
• Understand how aspherics are manufactured and tested.

Intended Audience
This course is intended for anyone who desires to learn how to design optical systems. It is valuable for those who design their own optics or who work with optical designers.

Instructor
Robert E. Fischer, founder and CEO of OPTICS 1, Inc., has been involved in optical system design and engineering for over 25 years. Mr. Fischer is co-author of Optical System Design, co-published by SPIE and McGraw-Hill. He is also a past president of SPIE.

Note
The course price includes the text, Optical System Design, by the instructor.

Course level: Intermediate
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call +1-360-676-3290, FAX +1-360-647-1445, or email spie@spie.org.