CATADIOPTRIC Meaning and
Definition
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Catadioptric is an adjective that describes an optical system or device that incorporates both reflecting and refracting elements to redirect and focus light. The term is derived from the Greek words "kata," meaning "against," "dia," meaning "through," and "optikos," meaning "optical."
In a catadioptric system, light rays are first manipulated by mirrors, which reflect and bend the light to a specific direction. The redirected light then passes through a lens, which refracts the rays further for better focusing and control. This combination of reflective and refractive elements allows for the correction of various optical aberrations, resulting in clear and enhanced image quality.
Catadioptric systems are commonly used in optical instruments, such as telescopes and cameras. They offer distinct advantages over simple refractive or reflective systems by providing a compact design, increased focal length, and wider field of view. The integration of mirrors and lenses in catadioptric systems allows for the reduction of lens size and weight, making them more portable and versatile for various applications.
The catadioptric approach is particularly advantageous for long-range imaging or when space is limited, as it achieves high magnification and minimizes chromatic aberrations. These systems are often found in astrophotography, surveillance technologies, and precision optical instruments.
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Relating to both refraction and reflection of light rays.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CATADIOPTRIC
- xatadioptric
- vatadioptric
- fatadioptric
- datadioptric
- cztadioptric
- cstadioptric
- cwtadioptric
- cqtadioptric
- caradioptric
- cafadioptric
- cagadioptric
- cayadioptric
- ca6adioptric
- ca5adioptric
- catzdioptric
- catsdioptric
- catwdioptric
- catqdioptric
- catasioptric
Etymology of CATADIOPTRIC
The word "catadioptric" is derived from two Greek roots: "kata" (κατά), meaning "down" or "against", and "dioptrikos" (διοπτρικός), meaning "referring to a lens". In Greek, "dioptrikos" ultimately comes from the verb "dioptrō" (διοπτρόω), which means "to look through", "to see", or "to observe". When combined, "kata" and "dioptrikos" create the word "catadioptrikos" (καταδιοπτρικός), which refers to an object or system that combines both refraction (bending of light rays) and reflection (bouncing off of light rays) to form images.
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