image plane

Definition: Surface representing the focus of an image of an infinitely distant object. * In theory, the surface is a flat plan, but in practice, the surface is more or less irregularly curved. * Usually, the image plane is normal (at right-angles in all directions) to the optical axis. * Where the object is not distant, and the lens is inclined to it, the image plane of the object is inclined to the lens axis (such that the Scheimpflug condition is met). * Also known as focal plane.

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