Photonics Dictionary: V

Van der Waals forces refer to the attractive or repulsive forces between molecules (or parts of molecules) that arise from fluctuations in electron distribution. These forces are relatively weak...

The angular relation between two light rays that originated at the same object point. Sometimes used to indicate the angle between the visual axes of the eyes.

The point of intersection of the optical axis with any centered optical surface.

The difference in base up or down prism power at corresponding points located on the two lenses of a pair of spectacles.

A vibrational transition refers to a change in the vibrational energy of a molecule. Molecules consist of atoms that are connected by chemical bonds, and these atoms are not stationary but are in...

Virtual histology refers to the use of digital technology and computational methods to simulate or recreate histological images and structures without the need for traditional physical slides and...

The angle subtended by an object at the point of observation.

An imaginary line between the object, through the nodal point of the eye, and the fovea, or point of finest retinal acuity.

The angular field of view that is seen by the eyes when fixed on a point straight ahead. The normal binocular visual field is approximately 130° in diameter.

A vortex phase plate is an optical device designed to impart a phase singularity, commonly referred to as a vortex or phase vortex, onto a light beam. This singularity results in a phase profile...