Optical assemblies

Observation records / Optical assemblies

An optical assembly combines geometry, alignment and the properties of its materials.

01. Establishing a reference

An optical assembly combines geometry, alignment and the properties of its materials. Reflections depend on angle and surface treatment. A useful working note records the context and the purpose of the study. Keep the details that explain what was noticed, and distinguish them from ideas that emerged later.

Reflections depend on angle and surface treatment. This point should be read together with the stated reference and the conditions of the record.

02. Describing the setup

Focal length describes the optical power of a lens. When revisiting a series of observations, begin with the original context. Record the order of the work and keep the first descriptions alongside any later interpretation.

Focal length describes the optical power of a lens. This point should be read together with the stated reference and the conditions of the record.

03. Reading the first observation

The next pass through optical assemblies focuses on comparison. Aperture limits the bundle of light entering a system. Look for the relationships between the details and retain enough context for another reader to understand the study.

Aperture limits the bundle of light entering a system. This point should be read together with the stated reference and the conditions of the record.

04. Working with variation

Alignment changes should be recorded consistently. This point should be read together with the stated reference and the conditions of the record.

record:
  topic: optics
  reference: stated
  conditions: recorded
  method: comparison
  values: illustrative
  interpretation: separate

Define
State the reference and the purpose of the comparison.
Observe
Reflections depend on angle and surface treatment.
Record
Keep the conditions and observations together.
Review
Separate the result from the assumptions used to interpret it.