Technical optics
Technical optics , also called opto-technology , is a subject that encompasses the engineering application of optics . Technical optics combine elements of optical measurement technology , laser technology and optics. Important sub-areas are micro- optics , lighting technology and fiber optics . The subject is part of the engineering sciences, as the specific design and manufacture of optical devices as well as the conception of specific beam paths are in the foreground. Technical optics are used in projection technology , holography and photography as well as in spectroscopy.
An optician deals with the conception, development and manufacture of optical systems. A specialist in processing optically effective surfaces is known as a precision optician .
Fields of work
The field of work of an opto-technician includes
- Light design (lighting systems for living and office spaces, ...)
- Medical technology (surgical microscopes, optical procedures for diagnosis and therapy, ...)
- Consumer goods (glasses, camera lenses, ...)
- Communication (optical data transmission, ...)
- biological analysis methods (microscopy, spectroscopy, ...)
- industrial applications (optical measuring technology, machine vision , semiconductor lithography , ...)
- Laser technology (development and application of laser systems, ...).
Competencies of the opto technician
The task of the opto-technician is to use the properties of light in the application in a beneficial way. The main areas of expertise of an optical technician are:
- Optoelectronics (or even Optronics or Optotronik in English optoelectronics called). In addition to the individual optical and electronic components of a system, the interface between electrical and optical components is also mastered.
- Computer science . This includes so-called optic design, i.e. the simulation of how light propagates in an optical system. This also includes the development of algorithms and software for image processing (machine vision), with the help of which information can be obtained from an image (e.g. the distance to a car in front in an autonomous vehicle).