optical engineering

Before magnifying glasses, how did people make objects look larger? The ancient Romans filled glass bowls with water. Then microscopes and telescopes came along. But optical innovation didn't stop there. Learn how many lightbulb designs Thomas Edison tested, how spies used microfilm to carry secret messages, how satellites let us look at Earth from space, and more! Follow the trail of inventions and devices that have enabled us to see everything from distant stars to tiny cells.

Explains how optical engineers have created instruments and technologies such as telescopes, microscopes, cameras, and televisions, and how the process of engineering design can be combined with the study of light and vision.

Examines the history of attempts by people to become invisible, discussing the reasons why people might want to remain hidden, looking at types of camouflage, explaining how stealth technology and blue screen backgrounds work, and examining research into invisibility cloaks.