Astronomical Optics

“Astronomical Optics is a comprehensive presentation of the fundamental principles of optical design and engineering for astronomical remote sensing instruments. I highly recommend this book for the personal library of scientists and engineers who have a serious interest in the optical system engineering of remote sensor systems.” –ICARUS

“The book is clearly focused on its title subject, and the results are superb.” –PHYSICS TODAY

“This book is excellent….I think that it will be recognized by everyone in astronomy, telescope design, and astronomical instrument design as an outstanding book.” –D.E. Osterbrock, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA CRUZ

“…clearly the most complete and rigorous treatment of this subject. It should become the basic reference for those considering design of astronomical instruments. A must for all instrumentalists, and observationalists should have nearby.” –C.R. O’Dell, RICE UNIVERSITY

“This is a text which sets out the general design principles of astronomical optics in a palatable way.” –NATURE

This book provides a unified treatment of the characteristics of telescopes of all types, both those whose performance is set by geometrical aberrations and the effect of the atmosphere and those diffraction-limited telescopes designed for observations from above the atmosphere.Is also contains a thorough discussion of grating instruments used with telescopes. In addition, the Hubble Space Telescope’s expected optical characteristics are presented in a clear and complete manner.While…the nature of both astronomical optics and the research carried out will continue to change at an increasing rate, the basic principles enunciated here will remain valuable for many years. This volume should serve well as both a textbook and a reference book for future practitioners of the magic art of “doing it with mirrors.”