Object glass, also known as an objective lens, is the lens closest to the object being viewed in optical devices such as microscopes or telescopes. The spelling of this word is pronounced as ˈɒbdʒɛkt ɡlɑːs. This word is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) notation to help clarify its pronunciation. The phonetic transcription breaks down the word into its separate sounds: the first syllable is "ob" with a short "o" sound, followed by "ject" with a soft "g" sound, and the final syllable is "glass" with a long "a" sound.
The term "object glass," also known as the objective lens, refers to a convex lens utilized in optical instruments such as telescopes, microscopes, and cameras. This lens is typically positioned near the front end of the instrument and is responsible for collecting and focusing incoming light onto an image plane or the focal plane.
The object glass plays a critical role in the overall performance of the optical instrument. Its primary function is to gather and concentrate the light rays from the observed object, enhancing both the brightness and clarity of the resulting image. By converging the incoming light, the object glass creates a magnified image that allows the observer to view objects with greater detail and precision.
The design and construction of the object glass can vary depending on the specific optical instrument and its intended application. The lens is commonly made of high-quality glass with precise curvature and polished surfaces to minimize or eliminate aberrations, such as chromatic and spherical aberrations, which can distort the image. Additionally, modern object glasses may incorporate multiple lens elements, combined in a specific arrangement known as an "optical system," to further optimize image quality and correct for various optical aberrations.
Overall, the object glass serves as a fundamental component in optical systems, enabling the formation of clear, magnified images for scientific observation, photography, and visual examination in a wide range of fields.
The glass placed at the end of such instruments as the telescope, and towards the object, whose office is to form an image of the object.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The term "object glass" is primarily used in optics and refers to the lens used in a telescope or microscope to gather and focus light from the object being observed. The term itself has a straightforward etymology.
The word "object" comes from the Latin word "objectum", which means "something thrown before" or "obstacle". It is derived from the verb "objicere", which means "to throw or put before". In the context of optics, the object is the thing being observed, such as a distant star or a tiny specimen.
The word "glass" comes from the Old English word "glaes", which refers to a transparent substance made by heating sand or quartz grains until they melt and harden into a solid. The use of glass in lenses revolutionized the field of optics, allowing for better clarity and precision in focusing light.