Optical Instrument Design

Learn how to design optical instruments from a top-level, tradeoffs-driven perspective. We will focus on the four major classes of optical instruments: telescopes, microscopes, interferometers, and spectrometers. We will also discuss instrument illumination techniques and begin looking at advanced instrument design and the process by which real-world customer requirements and specifications often drive difficult choices in aperture, focal length, track length, resolution, finesse, etc. While some background in raytracing and lens design is helpful, it will be optional for this course. However, students would be well advised to have a firm understanding of geometrical and physical optics.