Understanding the optics behind a PAPI light

Figure 2. PAPI Optics schematics. mage from Canadian Transport Advisory Circular No AC 300-006

In a previous article we talked about Aviation Light Optics. and discussed a runway light system called Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI). Now we would like to go more in detail into PAPI design and describe their design requirements. The PAPI system is a set of four light sources that help the pilots correct the […]

Projection Lens Design

Figure 1. Example of a Projector and Condenser system. Image from Zemax

Projection systems are one of the most common consumer optical devices (probably second to photographic systems). They allow us to view images on a screen (usually) by magnifying and projecting them at distances from a few centimeters to several meters away (like in a movie theater), while maintaining a high quality image. Projection systems are […]