Optical Images

Abstract

In this chapter, we study the properties of optical images, constantly taking into account the wave nature of light. After having defined the concept of the image, we first discuss the plane mirror and the prism, and then curved mirrors and thin lenses, finding their basic equations and properties. We then deal with aberrations, depth of field, the resolving power and the action of a lens on the phase of the incident wave. We then discuss basic optical instruments, namely the magnifying glass, the telescope and the microscope. Finally, we give a few basic elements of photometric concepts.