What does aberration mean in optics?

Aberration in optics refers to the failure of a lens or mirror to focus all incoming light rays to a single point, which results in a blurred or distorted image. When light passes through a lens, ideally, all rays should converge at a specific focal point. However, imperfections in the lens design, shape, or material can cause some rays to focus at different points, leading to various types of aberrations. These aberrations can significantly affect the quality of the image produced.

This understanding of aberration is key to addressing challenges in optical design and is crucial for the development of high-quality lenses in cameras, microscopes, and other optical instruments. Recognizing the impact of aberration helps engineers and designers create solutions to minimize these deviations, ensuring sharper and clearer images.