Optical Instrument

A instrument optical is an instrument forming an image of an object. An optical instrument is generally the association of several optical systems (ex: objective and eyepiece).

When they require the presence of a human eye to observe it, they are known as subjective , like the Télescope, the Microscope, the Loupe, etc and gives a virtual image.
the instruments not requiring the presence of the human eye are known as a contrario objective : the Projector, the photographic room, etc and gives a real image.

The eye is an optical instrument giving a real image of the object on the retina.

In manner more general one indicates by " instrument optique" any instrument using optics in its operation.

Kinds

Some are mainly of observation , like the binoculars, the Loupe, etc
Of others of measurement, like the geodetic instruments: the Rangefinder, the Theodolite, the spirit level, the Goniometer, etc See also the instruments of Metrology.

Generally, they rather often combine the two destinations, between qualitative study and quantitative study.

let us not forget those of projection : diascopes like the projector (of slide), that cinematographic, or épiscope S (for the opaque documents) like Overhead projector, etc

Qualities

They require to define their quality:

studies of Focométrie for obtaining a correct image by focusing of the luminous rays.
studies of Photometry for the taking into account of flows of transported energy (flow, intensity).
the taking into account of the aberration S and their Correction S (geometrical, chromatic, of diffraction).
the comprehension of qualities and requirements of the human eye (Acuity, Resolving power, defects and corrections).
the contribution of additional technical solutions: Diaphragm of field, opening, taken into account of the fields.
the taking into account of physical optics, the aspects undulatory and corpuscular of the light.

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