Apochromatic

adjectiveStandard termPhotonics

Describes a lens or optical system corrected for chromatic aberration at three distinct wavelengths.

An optical design that brings three different wavelengths (typically red, green, and blue) to a common focal point, while also correcting spherical aberration for two wavelengths. This level of correction prevents color fringing and maintains sharp focus across a broad spectrum, making it superior to simple achromatic designs.

Heard on the job

We need an apochromatic objective for the broadband pump setup to keep all the wavelengths focused on the same plane.

Insider tip

True apochromatic lenses are expensive and usually contain specialized glass types like fluorite to achieve the necessary dispersion characteristics.

Also heard as

  • apo

Do not mix it up with

  • Achromatic: Achromatic lenses correct for two wavelengths, while apochromatic lenses correct for three and offer tighter control over spherical aberration.