Optical space

Optical spaces are mathematical coordinate systems that facilitate the modeling of optical systems as mathematical transformations. An optical space is a mathematical coordinate system such as a Cartesian coordinate system associated with a refractive index. The analysis of optical systems is greatly simplified by the use of optical spaces which enable designers to place the origin of a coordinate system at any of several convenient locations. In the design of optical systems two optical spaces, object space and image space, are always employed. Additional intermediate spaces are often used as well. Optical spaces are mathematical coordinate systems that facilitate the modeling of optical systems as mathematical transformations. An optical space is a mathematical coordinate system such as a Cartesian coordinate system associated with a refractive index. The analysis of optical systems is greatly simplified by the use of optical spaces which enable designers to place the origin of a coordinate system at any of several convenient locations. In the design of optical systems two optical spaces, object space and image space, are always employed. Additional intermediate spaces are often used as well.