Course detail

Optical Design

FSI-TCSAcad. year: 2025/2026

CAD special will make students familiar with the analysis of the optical system using computers. The main objective of the course is to work with software for optical design ZEMAX. Centred optical systems made of spherical surfaces, three dimensional optical systems, systems with aspheric surfaces, zoom systems, mirrors, apertures and discs are analysed. A Part of the analysis is to identify aberrations and their correction using optimization abilities of ZEMAX.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

3

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Ing. Zbyněk Dostál, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Physical Engineering (ÚFI)

Entry knowledge

Basics of geometric optics

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Students design: magnifying glass, objective, eyepiece and microscope and correct aberrations. A short report will be classified.
Only final report is controlled. Missed lessons cannot be compensated for.

Aims

Design and analysis of optical systems using computer program ZEMAX.
Student will be capable to design and optimize optical systems using program ZEMAX (and other programs because their basic properties are the same).

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Laikin, Milton. Lens design. CRC Press, 2018.
O'Shea, D. C.: Elements of Modern Optical Design, John Wiley & Sons, ISBN 0-471-07796-8
Shannon, R. R.: The Art and Science of Optical Design, Cambridge University Press, 1977, ISBN-0-521-45414-X

Recommended reading

ZEMAX (učební text)
Laikin, Milton. Lens design. CRC Press, 2018.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme B-FIN-P Bachelor's 3 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme N-PMO-P Master's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

13 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Zbyněk Dostál, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Paraxial space, apertures of the optical system, basic optical aberrations
2. Optical aberrations and methods of their compensation
3. Objective lens design
4. Models of the human eye
5. Telescopes and their construction, eyepieces
6. Objective lens with variable focal length
7. Modulation transfer function, subjective evaluation of imaging
8. Inverting optical system
9. Magnifier lens
10. Optical microscope
11. Telecentric imaging system
12. Design with field lens

Computer-assisted exercise

26 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Zbyněk Dostál, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Basics of OpticStudio (Zemax) program
2. Design of singlet lens: aberration graphs and its consequences, image optimization
3. Design of doublet lens: aberration graphs and its consequences, image optimization
4. Optical system using doublets
5. Galileo and Kepler telescope
6. Newtonian telescope, Cassegrain telescope (optical systems with mirrors and broken axis)
7. Objective with variable focal length
8. Design of inverting optical system
9. Design of magnifying lens
10. Calculation of microscope objective
11. Design of telecentric imaging system
12. Design of field lens