Optics and How it is Used by Science

Optics has a long history dating back even before the works of famous scientists like Isaac Newton. However, most scientists have shown interest

in optics in the last 40 years, making it a leading sector of study. Optics has a significant impact affecting almost every part of human life. More technologies have continued to integrate optics, and a more positive outcome is being experienced.

For instance, entertainment, defence, communication, manufacturing and medicine are some of the sectors where optics has a wide use. Besides, the technology sector was the dominant field where the application of optics was seen in the 20th century. Today, most electronics have adopted the application of optics in their developments, thus, enabling practical solutions to the various problems facing the world today.

Find below more insights about optics and how it has been used by science.

Understanding Optics

Back in the old days, optics was originally a term that was attributed to eye and vision. As more development on lenses and vision aiding devices were established, people decided to give them the name optical instrument, and that’s how optics evolved covering anything to do with light application. In this case, a physical detector was perceived to be the definitive receiver but not the eye. To make it clear, a good example would be television cameras or photographic plates. Application of optics was then seen in the 20th century in major fields including electromagnetic radiation like X-rays, microwave, infrared and ultraviolet radio waves.

Application of Optics in Science

Manufacturing Industry

Optics has a huge application in the manufacturing sector, and when you think of cars, pipelines and mobile phone manufacturing, the use of optics must come in. The manufacturing industry has revolutionised over the years with the increased advancement of shorter pulse lasers. Besides, there is an increased understanding of material innovation of microlithography tools used in patterning fine details on electronic chips used in computers and mobile phones.

Medicine

Many lives have been saved through the use of optics. For instance, eyeglasses, intraocular lenses, LASIK surgery and contact lenses have been used by medics to correct poor vision. Additionally, Optical Coherence Tomography equipment is used in the detection of eyes diseases like glaucoma in the early stages, and the same technology has been used in cardiology. It is also important to note that many scan equipment devices are established through the use of optics.

Deep Science

Optics has enabled scientific exploration, and It is worth noting that most activities observed in the universe have been made possible through the application of optics. Some of these activities include Galileo’s observation of wavelengths, and today wavelengths can be observed through X-rays, infrared and radio wave.

Other scientific fields where optics has been used include the telecommunication sector, energy, quantum, defence and security sectors. The future of optics is still bright, as much more research is underway. Besides, optics is a vital area of study, and there are many opportunities for researchers to improve past research. Optics cannot be undervalued given the many benefits it has brought to the world.