Chromatic aberration

Also known as: Colour fringing

Tags: Glossary / Optics

Chromatic aberration occurs when a lens is unable to bring all wavelengths of colour to the same focal plane, resulting in a misalignment of colours at the edges of objects. This optical flaw causes images to have coloured edges around high-contrast areas, reducing clarity and sharpness. Achromatic lenses are used to reduce the effects of chromatic aberration.

Related items: Achromatic lens
Published: 01-02-2026    Last modified: 01-03-2026