Geometric Optics

This textbook, now in its third edition, provides a rigorous introduction to geometric optics with a particular emphasis on the analysis and design of astronomical telescopes, cameras, and lens systems. Beginning with Fermat’s principle, the text develops Gaussian optics, aberration theory, wavefront analysis, and Hamiltonian optics before applying these concepts to the design of a wide range of astronomical optical configurations, including Newtonian, Cassegrain, Schmidt, Maksutov, and Houghton systems, as well as achromatic lens assemblies. A distinctive feature of the book is its derivation of optical design methods directly from Fermat’s principle and stigmatic paths, offering a clear route from fundamental principles to practical system design. New to this edition is a substantial treatment of fifth-order aberration theory, extending the discussion beyond classical third-order methods and enabling a more complete analysis of modern optical systems. Throughout, Mathematica® notebooks and OSLO files are used to support numerical calculations and design examples, allowing readers to explore the underlying theory and its applications in depth. Geometric Optics is an excellent reference for advanced graduate students, researchers, and practitioners in applied mathematics, engineering, astronomy, and astronomical optics. It can also be used as a supplementary textbook for graduate-level courses in astronomical optics, optical design, optical engineering, programming with Mathematica®, or geometric optics.