Description

In this episode, I sat down with David Shafer. David has been creating incredible and cutting edge lens designs for decades; my first introduction to his work were his free slides he posted which looked like magic to me at the time. David discusses how he got into optics, his background in philosophy and how that guided his approach to optical design, and his optical design methodology. He also touches upon his insights about operating as a consultant, and how he created a successful career in optical design consulting. Overall this has been one of favorite interviews, David's experience and thoughts on optical design is incredible and I hope you enjoy the episode as well. 

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Youtube video version here.

Discuss the episode here.

Resources: 

• David Shafer’s Slideshare webpage with all of his freely shared presentations. Read them! They are great! 
• Innovation in Optical Design, A Short History slides presentation by David Shafer 
• Designing a Double Gauss Lens the Hard Way slides presentation by David Shafer 
• Optimum Design for a Fast Speed Lens slides presentation by David Shafer 
• Design Methods slide presentation by David Shafer 
• David Shafer’s Zeiss Talk Summer 2022 
• Man Versus Machine-A Lens Design Challenge Donald C. Dilworth, David Shafer,
• Simple Method For Designing Lenses David Shafer,
• Highlights of My 48 Years in Optical Design slide presentation by David Shafer. Demonstrates the lithography lens system and his design for Salvador Dali!
• Some Unusual Telescope Designs slide presentation by David Shafer. Demonstrates the optical design sent on space missions mentioned.
• A Perfect Lens Design Hiding in Plain Sight for 167 Years D. Shafer,
• Principles of Optical Design by Born and Wolf. Maxwell’s Fishe-eye design is mentioned in section 4.2.
• The scientific papers of James Clerk Maxwell Volume 1.. Maxwell discusses his fish-eye design in XVII.
• Galaxy Quest Trailer. Seriously, watch it, a great sci-fi movie.