compound lens
Definition
- Noun:
- A lens system consisting of two or more lenses on the same axis: A "compound lens" is an optical device where multiple individual lenses are aligned along a common optical axis to perform a specific function, such as correcting aberrations or achieving a desired focal length, that a single lens cannot achieve as effectively.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- A modern camera typically uses a compound lens to produce sharp, clear images.
- The microscope's objective is a sophisticated compound lens designed to minimize chromatic aberration.
- Designing a compound lens requires precise calculation of the curvature and position of each element.
Advanced Usage
"Achromatic compound lens": A specific type of compound lens designed to bring two wavelengths of light (typically red and blue) to the same focus, reducing color fringing.
- An achromatic compound lens is essential for high-quality telescopes and microscopes.
"Compound lens assembly": Refers to the complete, often housed, unit containing the aligned lenses.
- The technician carefully cleaned the delicate compound lens assembly.
Variants and Related Words
Lens element (n): A single piece of glass or other transparent material that is one component of a compound lens.
- This design uses five separate lens elements.
Lens system (n): A broader term for any arrangement of lenses working together, which includes compound lenses.
- The projector's lens system includes both simple and compound lenses.
Synonyms
- Lens combination: A system of lenses.
- Multi-element lens: A lens comprised of several optical elements.
Related Phrases
To correct for spherical aberration: A common purpose of using a compound lens design.
- The compound lens was engineered to correct for spherical aberration.
To have a cemented doublet: A type of compound lens where two lens elements are permanently bonded together.
- The objective features a cemented doublet to reduce internal reflections.
Noun
-
a lens system consisting of two or more lenses on the same axis
