About us
About Leviathan Optical Engineering
Leviathan Optical Engineering is an Irish-based optical design consultancy and manufacturer of precision imaging tools for scientific, commercial, and enthusiast use. Our work spans bespoke optical system development, stray light analysis, and high-performance accessories for astrophotography.
Founded by Dr. James Murphy, a specialist in lens and prism system design, Leviathan Optical Engineering draws inspiration from the 19th-century Leviathan of Parsonstown telescope—a symbol of ambition and technical excellence. Today, we carry forward that legacy by delivering optics that are not only precisely engineered, but purpose-built for real-world performance.
Optical Design & Consulting
At our core, we are a technical consultancy serving companies and institutions that require advanced, application-specific optical solutions. We support projects from concept to implementation with services including:
- Custom lens, prism, filter, and waveguide design
- AR/VR and imaging system development
- Stray light and ghost image mitigation
- Tolerance analysis and manufacturability consulting
- Prototype design and evaluation
Our clients include technology firms, research organizations, and product developers working in fields such as consumer electronics, augmented reality, biomedical diagnostics, low-light imaging, and instrumentation.
We work flexibly and confidentially, adapting our design and documentation practices to suit each client's workflow, whether that means delivering optical models, design reviews, or complete optical subsystems.
Astrophotography & Imaging Products
Alongside our consulting work, we apply the same engineering standards to a line of precision astrophotography tools—developed and manufactured in-house.
Our flagship product, the Leviathan Spectral Pro, is a high-performance light pollution filter designed around measured urban emission spectra. It targets common artificial light sources (LED, sodium, ceramic metal halide) while preserving critical nebular lines for deep sky imaging.
Key benefits of the Spectral Pro include:
- High transmission on-axis and at f/2
- High contrast and colour fidelity, even under challenging light pollution
- Carefully optimized passband shape based on measured spectra from a range of cities
- Minimal haloing at moderate focal ratios
- Excellent gradient suppression, simplifying post-processing workflows
This product reflects our engineering-first philosophy: rigorous measurement, transparency in specification, and no marketing exaggeration.
Why Work With Us
- Deep Technical Expertise: We bring scientific training and real-world engineering experience to every design
- Straightforward Communication: We explain trade-offs clearly, without hand-waving or inflated claims
- Global Perspective: Our development work is informed by real field data—from skyglow analysis to user testing across different imaging conditions
- Precision-Driven Manufacturing: Our products are built to tight tolerances with no compromises in optical performance
Whether you're building a next-generation optical system or looking for tools to elevate your imaging workflow, Leviathan Optical Engineering combines technical depth with a focus on practical results.