1.From user requirements to system
specifications
1.Objectives for the optical system
2.Optical technologies and how they can
meet performances.
3.Typical numerical values (or ranges) for
the most important parameters
(resolution, field of view, temporal issues, … ).
2.Architecture
1.Physical principles of the measurement.
2.Subsystems, functions and interfaces
3.Overall geometry: “universe” and system / instrument reference systems.
4.Sampling issues and identification of the
factors determining resolution
5.Most relevant sources of noise and noise
reduction approaches.
6.Subsystems constraining performances.
3.Markets
1.Examples of an actual instruments and/or
technologies available
Signal and data processing are outside the scope of the essay, unless they play a role in defining engineering parameters (such as resolution) or are necessary to compensate hardware under-performances.