Excursions in Astronomical Optics [Hardcover]

Lawrence N. Mertz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 20, 1996 | ISBN-10: 0387946640 | ISBN-13: 978-0387946641 | Edition: 1

These "excursions" into astronomical optics discuss innovative, often radical, suggestions for the design of optical instruments. Providing a storehouse of ideas and approaches not available elsewhere, Mertz suggests opportunities for further exploration and development rather than proven solutions. Covering a wide array of topics, from x-ray telescopes to gravitational lenses and from microscope objectives to Fourier transform spectroscopy, the excursions share a common thread of optical science related to astronomy. The book should thus interest researchers and graduate students in astronomy, optics, and optical engineering. Appendices provide Fortran code for some of the design techniques discussed in the book and for Monte Carlo image synthesis.

Editorial Reviews

Review

FROM THE REVIEWS:

THE OBSERVATORY MAGAZINE
"Suffice is to say that this is proper physics, and is original and creative and is original and creative. Proper physics, because the ideas are basic and highly intellectual, backed up by algebraic and quantitative analysis, with examples of possible application, and in some cases with supporting experiments and short segments of computer code. Creative, because there are insights, appearing fundamental and full of potential… So what do we do with ideas? Each scientist has to answer this question personally. Larry Mertz has answered it for himself with this book, to the immediate and enduring benefit of others in astronomical optics.”

REVIEWS OF ASTRONOMICAL TOOLS
"…a collection of interesting thoughts and considerations to different types of telescopes. The book is a very good source for ideas and new approaches to the general topic…The book is an interesting and very new kind of approach to this topic…”

Product Details

• Hardcover: 152 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (June 20, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0387946640
• ISBN-13: 978-0387946641
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,330,307 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #40 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Astronomy & Space Science > Telescopes

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