Optical Design Using Excel: Practical Calculations for Laser Optical Systems [Hardcover]

A practical introductory guide to optical design covering geometrical optics, simple wave-optics and diffraction, using Excel software

explains practical calculation methods for designing optical systems with fully worked-out examples and avoiding complex mathematical methods
includes practical calculations for ray tracing, laser beam (Gaussian beam) focusing, and diffraction calculations; the ray tracing and the diffraction calculations are done by using the VBA program which Excel provides as a supporting tool
describes basic optical theory and application methods, and provides readers with calculation methods for designing laser optical systems with numerous practical calculation examples. After finishing the book, even inexperienced readers should have the ability to design laser optical systems
covers large areas of geometrical optics and diffraction theory, providing a good overview and reference for beginners or non-specialist engineers
accompanied by a website including password protected electronic files

Preface i

Outline of contents ii

Chapter 1 - Geometrical optics 1

1.1 Characteristics of lasers 2

1.2 The three fundamental characteristics of light which form the basis of geometrical optics 3

1.3 Fermats principle 4

1.4 Principle of reversibility 7

1.5 Paraxial theory using thin lenses 7

1.6 The five Seidel aberrations 15

1.7 The sine condition 21

1.8 Aplanatic lenses 23

1.9 Reflection and transmission 24

Chapter 2 - Examples of simple optical design using paralÓn