Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around getting started with lens design, focusing on resources, software, and foundational knowledge necessary for designing optical systems. Participants express varying levels of experience and seek guidance on references and training.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation, Homework-related
Main Points Raised
- One participant requests references for lens design, indicating they are a complete amateur in the field.
- Another participant suggests narrowing down the topic by clarifying whether the focus is on making lenses or designing optical systems, and inquires about access to design software.
- A participant expresses intent to design optical systems and mentions access to OSLO and Zemax, while seeking tutorials and training courses for these tools.
- Recommendations for basic optical design books, including works by Laikin and Kingslake, are provided, along with a suggestion to read "About Practical Computer-Aided Lens Design" by Gregory Hallock Smith for Zemax users.
- One participant warns that learning optical system design can be complex due to the variety of optical systems, suggesting starting with paraxial approximations and practical problems, such as collimating light from an optical fiber.
- Catalogs from companies like Melles Griot, Thor Labs, and Newport are mentioned as useful resources for theory and available optical components.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the complexity of learning optical system design, with some emphasizing the need for foundational knowledge and practical experience, while others focus on resource recommendations. No consensus is reached on a specific starting point or methodology.
Contextual Notes
Participants note the importance of understanding different types of optical systems and the potential need for practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge. The discussion highlights the variability in learning paths and resources available.
Who May Find This Useful
Individuals interested in optical design, particularly beginners seeking resources and guidance on software and foundational knowledge in lens design.