Optical engineering

Optical engineering is the field of engineering that deals with the physical phenomena and technologies connected to light. Optical engineers use the science of optics to solve problems and create devices that make light do useful things. They design and operate equipment that uses the properties of light, working with physics and chemistry to build tools such as lenses, microscopes, telescopes, lasers, sensors, fiber-optic communication systems, and optical disc systems like CD and DVD.

This field also includes metrology, where optical methods are used to measure tiny vibrations or the properties of materials. Instruments like the laser speckle interferometer and tools that measure refraction are important in this area. Optical engineers also design nano-measuring and nano-positioning machines, such as microphotolithographic steppers, which can work with precision down to the level of a nanometer. These machines are essential for making products at extremely small scales.