aplanatic
1
9.9
- adjective
- /ˌeɪpləˈnætɪk/
- Specialized
- The aplanatic lens provided clear images by eliminating spherical aberration.
Examples
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To achieve perfect focus, the scientist chose an aplanatic mirror for the telescope.
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Photographers prefer aplanatic optics for their high-quality, distortion-free photographs.
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Of particular interest were his publications in the area of wave optics, which addressed diffraction problems in the focal regions of aplanatic systems.
Academic text (2002) -
Using analytical tools, Kant was the first to solve problems of vector diffraction in aplanatic systems with Seidel aberrations.
Academic text (2002)
Synonyms
1
9.9
A lens that shows images with very little color on the edges
Surface Forms
Morphology
aplanatic = a + planat + ic
Although the form shows the negative prefix 'a-' and the adjectival '-ic', the central combining form is a specialized Greek technical element not interpretable by learners as 'not + plan', so the meaning is not derivable from familiar English parts.
Etymology
The word aplanatic comes from Greek parts a- meaning 'not' and plan- meaning 'to wander', the same root as in planet. So an aplanatic lens or mirror keeps light rays from 'wandering' and makes a sharper image without blur.