Aberration in optical systems

Aberration in optical systems (lenses, prisms, mirrors or series of them intended to produce a sharp image) generally leads to blurring of the image. It occurs when light from one point of an object after transmission through the system arrives in different points. Instrument-makers need to correct optical systems to compensate for aberration. The articles reflection, refraction and caustic discuss the general features of reflected and refracted rays.

Related Topics:
Lenses - Reflection - Refraction - Caustic

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Aberrations fall into two classes:

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• chromatic aberrations (Gr. croma, colour), where a system disperses the various wavelengths of (e.g.) white light, and
• monochromatic aberrations (Gr. monos, one) produced without dispersion. These include the aberrations at reflecting surfaces of any coloured light, and at refracting surfaces of monochromatic light of single wavelength.
 
Aberration in optical systems: Monochromatic aberration ►