Book excerpt: The state-of-the-art full-colored handbook gives a comprehensive introduction to the principles and the practice of calculation, layout, and understanding of optical systems and lens design. Written by reputed industrial experts in the field, this text introduces the user to the basic properties of optical systems, aberration theory, classification and characterization of systems, advanced simulation models, measuring of system quality and manufacturing issues. In this Volume Volume 1 gives a general introduction to the field of technical optics. Although part of the series, it acts as a fully selfstanding book. With more than 700 full color graphs and it is a intuitive introduction for the beginner and a comprehensive reference for the professional. Table of Contents 1 Introduction 2 Paraxial optics 3 Dielectric interfaces 4 Materials 5 Raytracing 6 Photometry 7 Lightsources 8 Sensors and receivers 9 Theory of color 10 Optical systems 11 Aberrations 12 Waveoptics 13 Plates and prisms 14 Gratings 15 Special components 16 Testing Other Volumes Volume 2: Physical Image Formation Volume 3: Aberration Theory and Correction of Optical Systems Volume 4: Survey of Optical Instruments Volume 5: Advanced Physical Optics