Types of optical instruments

Possess information on the types of optical instruments and lenses, such as microscopes and telescopes, as well as on their mechanics, components, and characteristics.

optical instrument types
characteristics of optical instruments
typology of optical instruments
range of optical instruments
kinds of optical instruments
optical instruments types

knowledge

cross-sector

Types of optical instruments is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Optical technician: Optical technicians assemble, repair and design various parts of eyewear such as lenses, frames, patterns and eyewear. They cut, inspect, mount and polish all parts using various machinery and hand tools. Optical technicians shape, grind and coat lenses for prescription eyewear. They fit completed lenses into eyeglass frames. Optical technicians ensure that lenses conform to the dispensing optician’s, specialised doctor in ophtalmology’s or optometrist’s prescriptions. They may also work with other associated optical instrumentation and its maintenance.
Optical instrument assembler: Optical instrument assemblers read blueprints and assembly drawings to assemble lenses and optical instruments, such as microscopes, telescopes, projection equipment, and medical diagnostic equipment. They process, grind, polish, and coat glass materials, centre lenses according to the optical axis, and cement them to the optical frame. They may test the instruments after assembly.
Photonics engineering technician: Photonics engineering technicians collaborate with engineers in the development of photonic systems or components, usually in the form of optical equipment, such as lasers, lenses, and fibre optic equipment. Photonics engineering technicians build, test, install and calibrate optical equipment. They read blueprint and other technical drawings to develop testing and calibrating procedures.
Optical instrument repairer: Optical instrument repairers repair optical instruments, such as microscopes, telescopes, camera optics, and compasses. They test the instruments to ensure they function properly. In a military context they also read blueprints to be able to repair the instruments.
Optoelectronic engineer: Optoelectronic engineers design and develop optoelectronic systems and devices, such as UV sensors, photodiodes, and LEDs. Optoelectronic engineering combines optical engineering with electronic engineering in the design of these systems and devices. They conduct research, perform analysis, test the devices, and supervise the research.
Optical instrument production supervisor: Optical instrument production supervisors coordinate, plan and direct the optical instrument production process. They make sure the optical glass is processed properly and optical equipment is assembled according to specifications. They manage labourers working on the production line, oversee the quality of the assembled goods, and perform cost and resource management.
Photonics engineer: Photonics engineers are concerned with the generation, transmission, transformation, and detection of light. They conduct research, design, assemble, test and deploy photonic components or systems in multiple application fields, from optical communications to medical instrumentation, material processing or sensing technology.
Optical engineer: Optical engineers design and develop different industrial applications with optics. They have knowledge of light, light transmission principles, and optics in order to design engineering specs of equipment such as microscopes, lenses, telescopes, and other optical devices.
Optomechanical engineer: Optomechanical engineers design and develop optomechanical systems, devices, and components, such as optical mirrors and optical mounts. Optomechanical engineering combines optical engineering with mechanical engineering in the design of these systems and devices. They conduct research, perform analysis, test the devices, and supervise the research.
Optomechanical engineering technician: Optomechanical engineering technicians collaborate with engineers in the development of optomechanical devices, such as optical tables, deformable mirrors, and optical mounts. Optomechanical engineering technicians build, install, test, and maintain optomechanical equipment prototypes. They determine materials and assembly requirements.
Optoelectronic engineering technician: Optoelectronic engineering technicians collaborate with engineers in the development of optoelectronic systems and components, such as photodiodes, optical sensors, lasers and LED’s. Optoelectronic engineering technicians build, test, install and calibrate optoelectronic equipment. They read blueprint and other technical drawings to develop testing and calibrating procedures.

Types of optical instruments is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Astronomer: Astronomers research the formation, structures, properties, and development of celestial bodies and interstellar matter. They use ground-based equipment and space-based equipment to collect data about the space for research purposes.
Cosmologist: Cosmologists focus on the study of the universe as a whole, which is made up by its origin, evolution and ultimate fate. They use tools and scientific instruments to observe and study other galaxies and astronomical objects such as stars, black holes, planets and other celestial bodies.

References

1. Types of optical instruments – ESCO