First Order Optical System Design

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/first-order-optical-system-design

Introduction

### Course Review: First Order Optical System Design on Coursera **Overview** "First Order Optical System Design" is a specialized online course offered through Coursera that is particularly beneficial for those pursuing a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering at CU Boulder. This comprehensive course focuses on the fundamental principles and practical applications of optical system design, taking students from basic concepts to first-order design capabilities. Whether you’re an aspiring engineer, a seasoned professional looking to brush up on your skills, or simply someone with a passion for optics, this course provides valuable insights into how we visually perceive the world through various optical instruments. **Course Content and Structure** The course is meticulously structured with a blend of theoretical and practical segments divided into several key modules: 1. **Introduction to Geometrical Optics** In this opening module, students are introduced to the fundamental principles of geometrical optics. You’ll learn about light rays, the motion of light through different media, and the essential underpinnings of optical systems. The engaging format, with in-video questions and lab demonstrations, encourages active participation, ensuring that you grasp the concepts effectively. 2. **Optical System Design in OpticStudio** This module dives into practical application, utilizing OpticStudio, a leading optical design software. Students will learn to define optical systems, analyze performance through various calculations, and optimize designs by refining merit functions. This hands-on experience is invaluable for anyone looking to implement theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. 3. **First Order Ray Tracing** Here, you’ll apply Snell’s Laws to analyze the behavior of light as it interacts with curved interfaces of lenses and mirrors. This foundational knowledge is vital for determining image size and location—skills that are necessary for constructing more complex optical systems. 4. **Thick Optics and Mirrors** Building on the previous module, this segment introduces the concept of thick lenses and their impact on optical performance. Students learn to incorporate these real-world factors into their analyses, further refining their design skills. 5. **First-Order Ray Tracing of Multi-Element Systems** Finally, students explore the intricacies of multi-element optical systems. By employing matrix multiplication, you'll learn efficient techniques for analyzing and cascading multiple lens systems—an essential skill for advanced optical design tasks. **Learning Outcomes** By the end of this course, participants will have developed the capability to design first-order optical systems using simple mathematical and graphical techniques. This foundational knowledge serves as a springboard for more complex optical engineering and design principles, making it an excellent investment for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the optical sciences. **Why You Should Consider This Course** - **Academic Credit**: For students enrolled in CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, this course counts toward your degree, enriching your academic experience. - **Hands-On Experience**: The integration of practical tools like OpticStudio ensures that you are not just learning theory but also how to apply knowledge in practical settings. - **Interactive Learning**: The course’s various interactive elements, including lab demonstrations and assignments, facilitate a deeper understanding of the material, promoting engagement and retention. - **Broad Application**: The skills learned through this course are applicable across multiple fields, including engineering, healthcare, and technology, making it a versatile addition to your educational portfolio. **Recommendation** If you're interested in optics and looking to acquire skills that are both academically and practically relevant, I highly recommend the "First Order Optical System Design" course on Coursera. Whether you aspire to work in fields related to optical engineering, photography, healthcare equipment, or even astronomy, this course will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. The quality of instruction and the practical applications offered make it a standout choice for anyone serious about pursuing a career in this exciting field.

Syllabus

Introduction to Geometrical Optics

This module introduces rays, which we use to describe the motion of light through air and materials. The course overview describes the goals of this course and gives tips on how to make the best use of the course materials to be successful. The lectures introduce the material. The in-video questions, lab demonstrations, PhET interactive demonstration, practice problems, and homework assignment allow you to get actively involved in learning the material.

In this module, you will learn how to enter the description of an optical system into OpticStudio, analyze the performance of that system using various calculations and plots, and finally optimize that design by defining a merit function and search variables.

This module applies Snell's Laws to the curved interfaces of lenses and mirrors. You will learn the graphical and mathematical tools you need to calculate image size and location for thin lens and mirror systems. This foundation is essential to build more complex optical systems.

This module extends the analysis of the previous module to include the effects of real, thick lenses. You will learn how to input this factor into your optical system analysis and design.

For multiple element optical systems, the mathematical tools introduced in this module will make analysis faster and more efficient. In this module, you will learn how to cascade multiple lens systems using matrix multiplication.