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 5 topics comprise the methods of measuring the properties of optical systems. The different fundamental techniques, such as propagation measurement and polarimetry, are introduced and discussed in detail and clarity. The presentation allows the reader, after having devised an optical system, to perform the measurements best suited to ascertain that the system fulfills the specific needs and requirements. The following chapters provide a survey on materials, coatings and surfaces of optical components, and combine this with a treatment of light and radiation. The book thus serves as a one-stop reference for metrology of optical systems. Other Volumes Volume 1: Fundamentals of Technical Optics Volume 2: Physical Image Formation Volume 3: Aberration Theory and Correction of Optical Systems Volume 4: Survey of Optical Instruments