Optical instrument: Difference between revisions
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An '''optical instrument''' either processes light waves to enhance an image for viewing, or analyzes [[light wave]]s (or [[photons]]) to determine one of a number of characteristic properties. |
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#REDIRECT [[microscope]] |
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==Image enhancement== |
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The first optical instruments were [[telescope]]s used for magnification of distant images, and [[microscope]]s used for magnifying very tiny images. Since the days of [[Galileo]] and [[Van Leeuwenhoek]], these instruments have been greatly improved and extended into other portions of the [[electromagnetic spectrum]]. The [[binocular]] device is a generally compact instrument for both eyes designed for mobile use. |
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==Analysis== |
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Another class of optical instrument is used to analyze the properties of [[light]] or optical materials. They include: |
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*[[Photometer]] for measuring light intensity |
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*[[Polarimeter]] for measuring dispersion or rotation of polarized light |
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*[[Reflectometer]] for measuring the [[reflectivity]] of a surface or object |
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*[[Refractometer]] for measuring [[refractive index]] of various materials, invented by [[Ernst Abbe]] |
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*[[Spectrometer]] for generating or measuring a portion of the optical spectrum, for the purpose of chemical or material analysis |
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{{physics-stub}} |
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Revision as of 22:05, 6 July 2005
An optical instrument either processes light waves to enhance an image for viewing, or analyzes light waves (or photons) to determine one of a number of characteristic properties.
Image enhancement
The first optical instruments were telescopes used for magnification of distant images, and microscopes used for magnifying very tiny images. Since the days of Galileo and Van Leeuwenhoek, these instruments have been greatly improved and extended into other portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The binocular device is a generally compact instrument for both eyes designed for mobile use.
Analysis
Another class of optical instrument is used to analyze the properties of light or optical materials. They include:
- Photometer for measuring light intensity
- Polarimeter for measuring dispersion or rotation of polarized light
- Reflectometer for measuring the reflectivity of a surface or object
- Refractometer for measuring refractive index of various materials, invented by Ernst Abbe
- Spectrometer for generating or measuring a portion of the optical spectrum, for the purpose of chemical or material analysis