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Designing a New Way to Look into the Future

Optics show both the past and the future


One of the interesting things about technology is that it can often highlight both the past and the future at the same time. One of the best examples of this can be found with optical system design. In many ways it can be seen as the very start of technological research. The experimental method is a central point of science itself which would come much later in history. But before there was a codified scientific methodology there was another groundbreaking idea. This was the concept that one could construct instruments using science which would then help to advance science. This would basically allow one to bootstrap his own results. Successful research would create tools which could then push forward research even further. This, of course, would then result in tools which would allow the same feat to be performed all over again. As people crafted new lenses which allowed them to see further into the world it also helped them to create tools to make even better lenses. But there was often one big problem with the process. It would usually take a great deal of time.

 

Optical design has become a lot faster


The inherent slowness of optical design would be a virtual speedbump for quite some time. It's only until fairly recently that modern manufacturing caught up with basic human ingenuity. Nowadays optical system design can be done through websites. And even more amazing, the resulting lens can then be tested and verified at the same rapid pace. This is partially due to automated systems being able to handle the added load. But it's also thanks to dedicated staff who work around the clock to apply their expertise to the testing phase of newly constructed lenses.

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