Definition

1. Noun:
   • A compound lens or lens system designed to be free of astigmatism and able to form approximately point images: An optical device, typically used in cameras, telescopes, or other instruments, that corrects for the aberration called astigmatism, resulting in sharper and more accurate image formation.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The high-quality camera features an anastigmat, ensuring photographs are sharp from edge to edge.
  • Modern microscope objectives often incorporate anastigmats to improve image clarity.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: In optical engineering, an "anastigmat" refers specifically to a lens system corrected for astigmatism, spherical aberration, and coma, making it crucial for precision imaging.
  • The design of the anastigmat allows for a flat field of focus, which is essential for aerial survey cameras.

Variants and Related Words

• Anastigmatic (adj): Describing a lens or optical system that is free from astigmatism.
  • The anastigmatic lens produced remarkably clear images.

Synonyms

• Corrected lens: A lens system designed to minimize optical aberrations.
• Aplanat: A lens corrected for spherical aberration and coma (closely related but not always identical to an anastigmat).

Noun

1. compound lens or lens system designed to be free of astigmatism and able to form approximately point images