The history of telescopes and binoculars: an engineering perspective

John E. Greivenkamp; David L. Steed

doi:10.1117/12.904614

10 September 2011 The history of telescopes and binoculars: an engineering perspective

John E. Greivenkamp, David L. Steed

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Proceedings Volume 8129, Novel Optical Systems Design and Optimization XIV; 812902 (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.904614
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2011, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The design of the refracting telescope advanced rapidly following its invention in 1608, reaching its modern configuration in about a century. Even though the development of binoculars began almost simultaneously, nearly three hundred years elapsed before practical prismatic binoculars became available. The impediments to practical binoculars were not only in optical design, but in mechanical design, manufacturing, and materials. This paper will document the history of telescopes and binoculars from an engineering perspective looking at the evolution of basic optical system layout as well as some of the mechanical issues faced. This development will be illuminated using examples from the Museum of Optics at the College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona.

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John E. Greivenkamp and David L. Steed "The history of telescopes and binoculars: an engineering perspective", Proc. SPIE 8129, Novel Optical Systems Design and Optimization XIV, 812902 (10 September 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.904614

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