Optical Systems Engineering
A required course in the Optical Engineering Certificate Program. An elective course in the Optical Instrument Design Certificate Program.
Examine the fundamentals of systems engineering as applied to the design of optical, infrared, and laser systems; understand requirements analysis, trade studies, error budgets, requirements flowdown, component specifications, and vendor selection. Develop first-order models for the radiometric, optical source, focal plane array, and overall performance of an optical system. Quantify radiometric performance using etendue and stray light analysis. Compare FPA types and properties; predict MTF and SNR performance combining optical, source, and FPA parameters; explore detector-selection specifications and tradeoffs. Examine component fabrication and STOP analysis.
FALL 2025
Class Schedule
| Event | Date | Day | Start Time | End Time | Location | Room |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Event Start | Date 9/22/2025 | Day MON | Start Time | End Time | Location Online (Access Begins) | Room --- |
| Event Synchronous Meeting | Date 9/24/2025 | Day WED | Start Time 06:00 PM (PT) | End Time 07:00 PM (PT) | Location Zoom | Room |
| Event Synchronous Meeting | Date 10/1/2025 | Day WED | Start Time 06:00 PM (PT) | End Time 07:00 PM (PT) | Location Zoom | Room |
| Event Synchronous Meeting | Date 10/8/2025 | Day WED | Start Time 06:00 PM (PT) | End Time 07:00 PM (PT) | Location Zoom | Room |
| Event Synchronous Meeting | Date 10/15/2025 | Day WED | Start Time 06:00 PM (PT) | End Time 07:00 PM (PT) | Location Zoom | Room |
| Event Synchronous Meeting | Date 10/22/2025 | Day WED | Start Time 06:00 PM (PT) | End Time 07:00 PM (PT) | Location Zoom | Room |
| Event Synchronous Meeting | Date 10/29/2025 | Day WED | Start Time 06:00 PM (PT) | End Time 07:00 PM (PT) | Location Zoom | Room |
| Event Synchronous Meeting | Date 11/5/2025 | Day WED | Start Time 06:00 PM (PT) | End Time 07:00 PM (PT) | Location Zoom | Room |
| Event Synchronous Meeting | Date 11/12/2025 | Day WED | Start Time 06:00 PM (PT) | End Time 07:00 PM (PT) | Location Zoom | Room |
| Event Synchronous Meeting | Date 11/19/2025 | Day WED | Start Time 06:00 PM (PT) | End Time 07:00 PM (PT) | Location Zoom | Room |
| Event Synchronous Meeting | Date 11/26/2025 | Day WED | Start Time 06:00 PM (PT) | End Time 07:00 PM (PT) | Location Zoom | Room |
| Event End | Date 11/30/2025 | Day SUN | Start Time | End Time | Location Online (Access Ends) | Room --- |
Important Course Information
NOTE: This course utilizes Zoom for weekly live online synchronous meetings. These sessions make up the lab portion of the course, where you will be provided with optical design software license information. The sessions will be recorded and posted for students who are not able to attend, watching the recording is mandatory. The Zoom meeting link and password to join will be provided in your course. Students will need to have access to the internet, have speakers and a microphone to participate. The following student guide provides additional resources/information on how to use and access your courses Zoom sessions.
Students will be provided an optical design software license for use in the course.
Textbook Information for EECS X496.
Required Textbook(s):
Optional Textbook(s):
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