Optics

These articles expand on practical optics concepts and connect directly to the calculators and reference material on the site.

Resource Description
Some Ophthalmic Optics History A small compilation into the basic history of opticianry and ophthalmic science.
Indices of Common Optical Materials A list of common optical materials as well as their speed in a given material. Some glass making is also covered.
Basic Optics A great primer on optics.
Ray Diagrams A tutorial on ray diagrams. It is interactive.
Mirrors Covers various types of mirrors.
Light Wave Shows the basic structure of a light wave.
Electromagnetic Wave Propagation Shows both the electric and magnetic propagation of a wave through space. One can change the angle to see it from different viewpoints.
Wavefront Demonstration This demonstrates what wavelets look like and how they form by either refracting or reflecting off a medium.
Prisms Shows a basic prism. Exploring further reveals many types of prisms that do a variety of things.
Refraction of Light Shows both white light and monochromatic light going into a denser medium.
Polarization of Light Ever wondered how polarized glasses work?
Optics and the Eye Shows some basic anatomy and goes into color blindness.
Common Optical Defects in Lens Systems (Aberrations) The dreaded aberrations.
Anatomy
Eye Simulator This has to be one of the coolest simulators of the cranial nerves related to the eye that I have ever seen.
Anatomy of the Eye Goes over gross anatomy of the eye as well as a closer look into the retina.

Don’t forget to check out the Crystal Eyecare’s Blog page. There will be essays and reports on important topics related to the eye and to opticianry.