Photonics Dictionary: B

Designating any instrument in which both eyes can be used to view the image to achieve a stereoscopic effect, or merely to facilitate observation. See also prism binoculars.

The adjustment of a binocular instrument so that the lines of sight of both telescopes are parallel.

The glossy appearance of an object viewed, because of the binocular combination of two very unlike colors.

A device having a pair of decentered lenses, one for each eye, that focuses on a single object as a magnifier. It is often supplied with a forehead fixture or an elastic headband to leave the hands...

A microscope designed with two eyepieces (oculars), permitting the use of both eyes when viewing through the instrument.

The difference in angular bearing of an object as seen by the two eyes, due to the separation of the visual optical axes.

The absolute luminance threshold for detection by the two eyes.

The ability of the two eyes to see an object from two slightly different points of view. This difference allows an individual to perceive the depth and dimension of the object in view.

A term pertaining to devices (generally optical) designed for use with both eyes viewing through a single exit pupil. The term may be distinguished from binocular in that biocular instruments contain...