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TECH FOCUS OPTICS FOR ASTRONOMY


An optical journey into space


A look at the commercial offerings of the main players in optical mirrors, lenses and other optical components for astronomy applications


KNIGHT OPTICAL FEATURED PRODUCT


O


ptics are used for the design, construction, and use of telescopes and other


optical instruments for studying stars, planets, galaxies, and other astronomical phenomena. The reason optics play such a


crucial role in astronomy is because they allow astronomers to collect and analyse light from distant objects in the universe. Optical telescopes use lenses and mirrors to focus and gather light, enabling astronomers to study objects that are too far away – or too faint – to be seen with the human eye alone. As well as telescopes other optical instruments used in astronomy include spectrographs, which break down light into its component wavelengths, and photometers, which measure the brightness of celestial objects.


Optical instruments for astronomy


use a variety of optical components to collect, focus, and magnify light from celestial objects. The primary optical component of a telescope is either an objective lens or a primary mirror, which collects and focuses light onto the secondary mirror or directly onto the focal plane. The secondary mirror reflects the light from the primary mirror to the focal plane or to an eyepiece, which is a lens or set of lenses that magnifies the image formed by the primary optical component and allows the observer to see the image. A Barlow lens is a type of lens that increases the effective focal


24 Electro Optics May 2023


length of the primary optical component, thereby increasing magnification, while a diagonal mirror is a flat mirror that reflects light at a 90-degree angle, allowing the observer to view objects in a more comfortable position. Optical filters are used to selectively block or transmit certain wavelengths of light, allowing astronomers to study specific features or characteristics of celestial objects. Corrector plates are used to correct for spherical aberration and other optical distortions that can occur in refracting telescopes.


Commercial


products Vendors of optical components and equipment for astronomy include Alluxa, which offers ultra-narrow optical filters for a number of markets including astronomy. Most recently the company developed two Hydrogen Alpha (H-alpha) emission line filters specifically for astronomy. Astro Hutech provides


astronomical equipment and accessories for visual astronomy and astrophotography. Products include filters for astrophotography under the IDAS brand, including narrowband filters and light pollution filters, as well as eyepieces, mounts and imaging accessories. Astronomik is a manufacturer of


astronomical filters. The company’s range includes narrowband filters for astrophotography, light pollution


Knight Optical, a global supplier of precision optics, can provide optical components used in astronomy applications. We have worked closely with customers on prototype orders to large-scale projects ensuring they receive precision optics ready to be integrated into their optical system. Knight Optical’s capabilities allow us to provide small to large diameter optics working in UV, visible, and IR wavelengths, with materials ranging from N-BK7, fused silica (UV and IR grades), and crystalline materials such as calcium fluoride, zinc selenide/sulphide, and germanium. The company’s mirror and antireflective (AR) coatings can be optimised for the design wavelength of the system. Knight Optical’s typical optical components include: • Mirrors • Lenses • Filters • Diffusers • Prisms


We pride ourselves on the quality of the optical components we provide our customers, and guarantee this by testing them within our metrology laboratory and visually inspecting them in the QA department prior to shipment. Please contact Knight Optical with your enquiry, and one of our technical account managers will be happy to assist.


Further information: www.knightoptical.com


filters, and UV/IR cut filters. Baader Planetarium produces a


wide range of filters for telescopes, including narrowband filters, broadband filters, and speciality filters such as solar filters. CeNing Optics provides optical


filters including coloured glass, narrowband interference and bandpass for astronomy.


Edmund Optics is a well-known supplier of optical components, including optical lenses and mirrors for telescopes. The company offers a wide range of mirrors, including concave, convex, and flat mirrors, as well as specialised mirrors for specific applications. Lenses include achromatic, aspherical lenses, cylindrical lenses, and more.


@electrooptics | www.electrooptics.com


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