This book offers a new approach to third-order aberrations theory. It presents the basic elements of third-order aberrations of optical telescopes, along with the necessary mathematical background, to design almost all optical combinations used in astronomy.

Provides the mathematical background needed to design many optical combinations that are used in astronomical telescopes and cameras Presents a simpler approach to third-order aberration theory based on Fermat's principle and the use of stigmatic paths instead of rays Numerous diagrams, worked-out examples, and exercises for further practice of key concepts are included throughout the book Each optical combination analyzed is accompanied by a downloadable Mathematica® notebook that automates its third-order design, eliminating the need for lengthy calculations Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Inhalt
Fermat's Principle and General Considerations.- Gaussian Optics.- Fermat's Principle and Third-Order Aberrations.- About Higher-Order Aberrations.- Newtonian and Cassegrain Telescopes.- Cameras for Astronomy.- Compound Cassegrain Telescopes.- Doubles and Triplets.- Other Optical Combinations.- Fermat's Principle and Wave Fronts.- Hamiltonian Optics.- Principal Functions and Primary Aberrations.- Introduction to Optics in Anisotropic Media Media.- Appendix A: First-Order PDE.- Appendix B: Symplectic Vector Spaces.