Optical engineers can work in one of several optics subfields or related branches. Three of the larger areas are physical optics, which deals with the wave properties of light; quantum optics, which studies single photons or light particles; and geometric optics, which involves optical instruments used to detect and measure light. Other subfields of optics include integrated optics, nonlinear optics, electronic optics, magneto-optics and spatial optics.
Optical engineers combine their knowledge of optics with other engineering concepts, such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer engineering, to determine applications and build devices with optical technology. Optical engineers design precision optical systems for cameras, telescopes or lens systems. They determine the specifications required and make adjustments to calibrate and adjust optical devices. They also design and develop circuits and components for devices that use optical technology. Some optical engineers design and manufacture inspection tools to test and measure the performance of optical systems. By designing this equipment, they verify that all parts work as needed, diagnose any defective parts and correct any defects. Together with electrical and mechanical engineers, they work on the general design of systems that use optical components.
When creating a new product using optical technology, optical engineers go through a multi-step engineering process. First, they study the application or problem to understand it thoroughly. So they brainstorm to find possible solutions to the problem. After developing a creative concept, the engineers turn it into one or more projects. They process all the details and create a computer-generated model or test unit. This model or unit is tested and all required design reviews are performed and tested again. This process continues until the design is unsatisfactory. The design is sent to production and a product is produced. The process is completed with the marketing of the product.
Optical engineers combine their knowledge of optics with other engineering concepts, such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer engineering, to determine applications and build devices with optical technology. Optical engineers design precision optical systems for cameras, telescopes or lens systems. They determine the specifications required and make adjustments to calibrate and adjust optical devices. They also design and develop circuits and components for devices that use optical technology. Some optical engineers design and manufacture inspection tools to test and measure the performance of optical systems. By designing this equipment, they verify that all parts work as needed, diagnose any defective parts and correct any defects. Together with electrical and mechanical engineers, they work on the general design of systems that use optical components.
When creating a new product using optical technology, optical engineers go through a multi-step engineering process. First, they study the application or problem to understand it thoroughly. So they brainstorm to find possible solutions to the problem. After developing a creative concept, the engineers turn it into one or more projects. They process all the details and create a computer-generated model or test unit. This model or unit is tested and all required design reviews are performed and tested again. This process continues until the design is unsatisfactory. The design is sent to production and a product is produced. The process is completed with the marketing of the product.
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