To use OSLO effectively, you need to know something about optics, computer technology, and optical design. Depending on your background, you are probably more expert in one of these areas than the others. Optics and computer technology are subjects that are widely taught, but optical design is not. Many people use OSLO itself to learn optical design, and virtually all optical designers agree that experience is the best teacher in this field.
Learning optical design with OSLO is best accomplished using the documentation that accompanies the program. Specific reference material on the OSLO programs is contained in the help system accessed from the menu in each program.
Sinclair Optics provides short courses on optical design using OSLO on a semi-annual schedule. The How to Use OSLO course is intended for new users and old users who want a refresher course on new features in the program. Other short courses treat specialized topics, and assume that you are familiar with optical design and the use of OSLO.
The material in this section of the web site provides background and supplementary information:
OSLO Classes gives scheduling and registration information for upcoming short courses.
Optical Design Software provides a general technical survey, adapted from the chapter on this topic in the Optical Society of America's "Handbook of Optics, Second Edition".
Optical Design References cites a few books that are recommended for learning optical design.
Design Notes presents several articles on topics related to optical design using OSLO.
OSLO Version 5 User's Guide provides introductory documentation for OSLO Version 5. This documentation is also included in the help system for OSLO Version 5, and does not need to be downloaded separately.