Optical Instrument Design
A required course in the Optical Instrument Design Certificate Program. An elective course in the Optical Engineering Certificate Program.
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.
Click on "See Details" below and refer to "Special Notes" for additional section specific information.
SUMMER 2025
Class Schedule
Event | Date | Day | Start Time | End Time | Location | Room |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Event Start | Date 6/23/2025 | Day MON | Start Time | End Time | Location Online (Access Begins) | Room --- |
Event Synchronous Meeting | Date 6/25/2025 | Day WED | Start Time 06:00 PM | End Time 07:00 PM | Location Zoom | Room |
Event Synchronous Meeting | Date 7/16/2025 | Day WED | Start Time 06:00 PM | End Time 07:00 PM | Location Zoom | Room |
Event Synchronous Meeting | Date 7/30/2025 | Day WED | Start Time 06:00 PM | End Time 07:00 PM | Location Zoom | Room |
Event Synchronous Meeting | Date 8/13/2025 | Day WED | Start Time 06:00 PM | End Time 07:00 PM | Location Zoom | Room |
Event Synchronous Meeting | Date 8/27/2025 | Day WED | Start Time 06:00 PM | End Time 07:00 PM | Location Zoom | Room |
Event End | Date 8/31/2025 | Day SUN | Start Time | End Time | Location Online (Access Ends) | Room --- |
Textbook not required; you will be notified if this changes.
Meet Your Instructor(s)
Special Notes
Prerequisites: Geometrical and Physical Optics EECS X496.55 and Optomechanical Systems Engineering EECS_X499 or possess equivalent experience or education.
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