Optical Efficiency and Resolution from Coursera

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5601, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

Optical instruments are how we see the world, from corrective eyewear to medical endoscopes to cell phone cameras to orbiting telescopes. This course will teach you how to design such optical systems with simple mathematical and graphical techniques. The first order optical system design covered in the previous course is useful for the initial design of an optical imaging system but does not predict the energy and resolution of the system. This course discusses the propagation of intensity for Gaussian beams and incoherent sources. It also introduces the mathematical background required to design an optical system with the required field of view and resolution. You will also learn how to analyze these characteristics of your optical system using an industry-standard design tool, OpticStudio by Zemax.

What's inside

Syllabus

Geometrical Optics for Gaussian Beams

First order optical system design using rays is useful for the initial design of an optical imaging system, but does not predict the energy and resolution of the system. This module introduces Gaussian beams, a specific example of how the shape of the light evolves in an imaging system.

Maxwell's Equations

This module provides the background for the full electro-magnetic field description of optical systems, including a description of plane and spherical waves and a formal treatment of reflection and refraction from this perspective. We start out with a quick review of the mathematical background for this description. This will be fairly short, but you may want to spend some more time reviewing these concepts on your own if you have not seen them for a while.

Impulse Responses and Transfer Functions

This module provides an introduction to the basics of Fourier Optics, which are used to determine the resolution of an imaging system. We will discuss a few Fourier Transforms that show up in standard optical systems in the first subsection and use these to determine the system resolution, and then discuss the differences between coherent and incoherent systems and impulse responses and transfer functions in the second subsection. We will wrap up with a discussion of these concepts using OpticStudio.

Finite Aperture Optics

This module takes the concepts of pupils and resolution that we have discussed in the previous modules and works through how to apply them to our first-order optical design systems. We start with a description of how to find the system pupils and windows, then move on to a discussion of how that affects the imaging properties of this system, and finally return to the Lagrange invariant and its utility in optical system design.

Radiometry

One of the main questions you ask when designing an optical system is "How much light can I get through the system?" In this last section of new content for this course, we move from talking about resolution to talking about the amount of light we expect at each point in the optical system, a field of study called radiometry.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches optical design principles, which are highly relevant in industry

This course is also available for academic credit, providing a strong academic foundation

Taught by experienced instructors in the field

Provides the necessary mathematical background for optical system design

Covers a comprehensive range of topics, including Gaussian beams, incoherent sources, and radiometry

Involves the use of industry-standard design tools, ensuring practical relevance

Reviews summary

Moderately well-received optics course

According to students, Optical Efficiency and Resolution is a moderately well-received course. Learners appreciate the knowledgeable instructors, helpful lectures, and engaging lab demonstrations. However, some learners have expressed concerns about insufficient instructor support, confusing grading systems, and errors in course content.

Lectures are clear and well-organized.

"Well taught, nicely organized"

"The lab demonstrations were very helpful and the explanations of complex phenomena were very easy to understand."

Instructors are knowledgeable and helpful.

"This course is very helpful to develop a good understanding of optical systems. The teacher introduces in a smooth and clear way the most important concepts of optical efficiency and resolution."

"Honestly the lectures are soooo nice. I learned so much from them and really enjoyed how thoughtfully they were put together."

Learners have encountered confusing grading in exams.

"There are various issues in the auto-grading system for the exams... it can be pretty exhausting trying to figure the right format of the right answers..."

Learners have difficulty getting instructor support.

"no channel to communicate with instructors. Only students write in the forum. This limits the amount of learning."

"As in the previous course the autograder creates a frustrating home-work-assignment experience. This frustration is joined by confusion caused by errors on the slides. Finally, I am paing for this course but did not receive a single response on my questions in the forum!"

There are errors in the course content.

"course content is good, but there is a lot of error in the HW section and you need to waste a lot of time "debugging"."

"As in the previous course the autograder creates a frustrating home-work-assignment experience. This frustration is joined by confusion caused by errors on the slides."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Optical Efficiency and Resolution with these activities:

Review basic concepts of electromagnetic waves

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Strengthen foundational understanding of electromagnetic waves to support comprehension of optical system design.

Browse courses on Maxwell's Equations

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Review lecture notes or online resources on electromagnetic theory.
Solve practice problems involving electromagnetic wave propagation.
Attend office hours or consult with the instructor for additional support.

Find a mentor in the field of optics

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Gain valuable guidance and support in pursuing your interest in optics by seeking a mentor.

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Network with professionals in the field to identify potential mentors.
Reach out to potential mentors and express your interest.
Establish a mentoring relationship that aligns with your goals.

Read 'Fundamentals of Optics' by Jenkins and White

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of optics by reviewing a classic textbook in the field.

View Fundamentals of Optics 1957 [Leather Bound] on Amazon

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Read the assigned chapters and take notes on the key concepts.
Solve the practice problems at the end of each chapter.
Discuss the concepts with a study group or tutor.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Calculate the focal lengths of lenses and mirrors

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Reinforce understanding of the basic principles of geometrical optics by practicing calculations involving lenses and mirrors.

Browse courses on Geometrical Optics

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Review the equations for calculating the focal length of a thin lens.
Practice calculating the focal length of a lens using the lensmaker's equation.
Review the equations for calculating the focal length of a mirror.
Practice calculating the focal length of a mirror using the mirror equation.
Apply the equations to solve problems involving lenses and mirrors.

Discuss the applications of optical instruments

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Expand knowledge of the practical applications of optical instruments by discussing their uses in various fields.

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Research different applications of optical instruments in fields such as medicine, astronomy, and manufacturing.
Prepare a presentation or lead a discussion on the applications you researched.
Participate in the discussion and share your insights.

Design and build an optical system using Gaussian beams

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Demonstrate understanding of optical system design principles by designing and building a system that incorporates Gaussian beams.

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Research different types of optical systems and their applications.
Design the optical system using Gaussian beam propagation and imaging equations.
Build the optical system using lenses, mirrors, and other optical components.
Test the optical system using a light source and a detector.
Analyze the results and make adjustments to the optical system as needed.

Write a summary of the course material

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Reinforce understanding of the course material by summarizing the key concepts in your own words.

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Review the lecture notes and textbook chapters.
Identify the main concepts and ideas.
Write a concise and clear summary of each concept.
Share your summary with a classmate or instructor for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Optical Efficiency and Resolution will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Optical Engineer

An Optical Engineer designs, builds, and tests optical systems. They use their knowledge of optics to create systems that can be used in a variety of applications, such as medical imaging, telecommunications, and manufacturing. This course can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an Optical Engineer. You will learn about the principles of optics, how to design and build optical systems, and how to test and maintain optical systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Optical Engineer

Optomechanical Engineer

An Optomechanical Engineer designs, builds, tests, and maintains optical systems. They use their knowledge of optics, mechanics, and materials to create systems that can be used in a variety of applications, such as medical imaging, telecommunications, and manufacturing. This course can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an Optomechanical Engineer. You will learn about the principles of optics, how to design and build optical systems, and how to test and maintain optical systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Optomechanical Engineer

Photonics Engineer

A Photonics Engineer designs, builds, and tests photonic devices. They use their knowledge of optics and electronics to create devices that can be used in a variety of applications, such as telecommunications, medical imaging, and manufacturing. This course can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a Photonics Engineer. You will learn about the principles of optics, how to design and build photonic devices, and how to test and maintain photonic devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photonics Engineer

Optical Systems Engineer

An Optical Systems Engineer designs, builds, and tests optical systems. They use their knowledge of optics, mechanics, and electrical engineering to create systems that can be used in a variety of applications, such as medical imaging, telecommunications, and manufacturing. This course can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an Optical Systems Engineer. You will learn about the principles of optics, how to design and build optical systems, and how to test and maintain optical systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Optical Systems Engineer

Imaging Scientist

An Imaging Scientist develops and tests imaging systems. They use their knowledge of optics, image processing, and computer science to create systems that can be used in a variety of applications, such as medical imaging, remote sensing, and surveillance. This course can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an Imaging Scientist. You will learn about the principles of optics, how to design and build imaging systems, and how to test and maintain imaging systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Imaging Scientist

Lens Designer

A Lens Designer designs and develops lenses for a variety of applications, such as cameras, telescopes, and microscopes. They use their knowledge of optics to create lenses that can produce high-quality images. This course can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a Lens Designer. You will learn about the principles of optics, how to design lenses, and how to test and maintain lenses.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lens Designer

Optical Metrologist

An Optical Metrologist develops and uses optical measurement techniques to characterize the properties of materials and objects. They use their knowledge of optics and metrology to create systems that can be used in a variety of applications, such as quality control, manufacturing, and research. This course can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an Optical Metrologist. You will learn about the principles of optics, how to design and build optical measurement systems, and how to test and maintain optical measurement systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Optical Metrologist

Laser Systems Engineer

A Laser Systems Engineer designs, builds, and tests laser systems. They use their knowledge of optics, lasers, and electrical engineering to create systems that can be used in a variety of applications, such as laser cutting, laser welding, and laser marking. This course can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a Laser Systems Engineer. You will learn about the principles of optics, how to design and build laser systems, and how to test and maintain laser systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Laser Systems Engineer

Fiber Optics Engineer

A Fiber Optics Engineer designs, builds, and tests fiber optic systems. They use their knowledge of optics, fiber optics, and telecommunications to create systems that can be used in a variety of applications, such as telecommunications, data transmission, and medical imaging. This course can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a Fiber Optics Engineer. You will learn about the principles of optics, how to design and build fiber optic systems, and how to test and maintain fiber optic systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fiber Optics Engineer

Imaging Physicist

An Imaging Physicist develops and uses imaging techniques to study the structure and function of living organisms. They use their knowledge of optics, physics, and biology to create imaging systems that can be used in a variety of applications, such as medical imaging, neuroscience, and cancer research. This course can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an Imaging Physicist. You will learn about the principles of optics, how to design and build imaging systems, and how to test and maintain imaging systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Imaging Physicist

Optical Technician

An Optical Technician assembles, tests, and maintains optical systems. They use their knowledge of optics to ensure that systems are working properly and that they are meeting the required specifications. This course can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an Optical Technician. You will learn about the principles of optics, how to assemble and test optical systems, and how to maintain optical systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Optical Technician

Optical Sales Engineer

An Optical Sales Engineer sells optical products and services to customers. They use their knowledge of optics to help customers select the right products and services for their needs. This course can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an Optical Sales Engineer. You will learn about the principles of optics, how to sell optical products and services, and how to provide technical support to customers.

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Optical Engineer Assistant

An Optical Engineer Assistant assists Optical Engineers in the design, development, and testing of optical systems. They may also be responsible for assembling and maintaining optical systems. This course can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an Optical Engineer Assistant. You will learn about the principles of optics, how to assemble and test optical systems, and how to maintain optical systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Optical Engineer Assistant

Optical Designer

An Optical Designer designs and develops optical systems. They use their knowledge of optics to create systems that can produce high-quality images. This course can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an Optical Designer. You will learn about the principles of optics, how to design optical systems, and how to test and maintain optical systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Optical Designer

Optoelectronics Engineer

An Optoelectronics Engineer designs, builds, and tests devices that combine optics and electronics. They use their knowledge of optics, electronics, and materials science to create devices that can be used in a variety of applications, such as telecommunications, data transmission, and medical imaging. This course can help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an Optoelectronics Engineer. You will learn about the principles of optics, how to design and build optoelectronic devices, and how to test and maintain optoelectronic devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Optoelectronics Engineer