Physical optics analysis of image formation in science instruments

Several factors affect image quality in scientific measurement systems. These factors were subjects researched and taught by Professor Roland Shack during his career. We examine image formation in science instruments within the frame-work of our current understanding of physical optics. Our motivation is to increase instrument scientific yield and minimize cost. We consider the collective effects of polarization aberrations, partial coherence, optical materials, diffraction, optical surface count, scattered light (bulk and surface) and 1st order optical system mechanical lay-out.