Maksutovkorrektorilinssiä

Maksutovkorrektorilinssiä, often referred to as a Maksutov corrector or simply a corrector plate, is a type of lens used in optical instruments, most notably in catadioptric telescopes. It is named after its inventor, Dmitri Maksutov, a Soviet optician. The primary purpose of the Maksutov corrector is to correct optical aberrations, particularly spherical aberration and chromatic aberration, that are inherent in simpler lens and mirror designs.

In a Maksutov telescope, the corrector plate is a thick, aspheric lens positioned at the front of the tube. Its concave inner surface and convex outer surface are precisely shaped to work in conjunction with the primary mirror. This combination effectively doubles the focal length of the telescope while keeping the physical length of the instrument relatively short. The corrector plate's thickness is crucial, as it allows for the introduction of necessary optical power and the correction of aberrations.

The aspheric shape of the corrector plate is what differentiates it from a simple Schmidt corrector plate. While both serve to correct aberrations, the aspheric design of the Maksutov corrector allows for a more compact and simpler optical system. This design results in a wide, flat field of view with minimal distortion, making it highly desirable for astronomical observation and astrophotography. Maksutov telescopes are known for their excellent image quality and are favored for their robustness and ease of use.