SPIE PROGRAMS ON OPTICAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING

• Introduction to Fourier Optics
• Optical Design: Principles of Optical System Layout
• Introduction to Optical System Design and Engineering
• Basic Optical Engineering for Electrical Engineers
• Properties and Performance of Optical Materials
• Integration of Optical Coatings Into an Optical System
• Introduction to Optical Alignment Techniques
• Fundamentals of Radiometry: Calculation, Measurement and Calibration
• Basic Optics for Mechanical Engineers
• Optomechanical Interface Design and Analysis
• Introduction to Optomechanical Design
• Principles of Diffraction, Interferometry, Holography and Diffractive Optical Elements
• Miniature Optics for Diode Lasers and Beam Shaping

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Introduction to Fourier Optics

Jack D. Gaskill is professor of optical sciences and electrical and computer engineering at the University of Arizona.

The first portion of this course provides a review of a number of mathematical topics, including convolution, Fourier transformation, harmonic analysis, and the analysis of linear shift-invariant systems. Next, the instructor discusses the phenomenon of diffraction, the effects of lenses on diffraction, and the propagation of Gaussian beams. Finally, the concepts of Fourier analysis and linear systems are combined with diffraction theory to describe the image-forming process in terms of a spatial filtering operation, both for coherent light and for incoherent light.

After completing this course, you will:

• Understand convolution, Fourier transform, harmonic analysis, the analysis of linear systems, and the general behavior of diffraction in the Fresnel and Fraunhofer regions
• Be able to calculate the Fraunhofer diffraction pattern irradiance associated with various apertures and diffracting objects
• Understand the effects of diffraction on image formation and how diffraction influences image resolution
• Be able to calculate the impulse response, transfer functions and behavior of various image-forming systems, both for coherent and incoherent light
• Understand Gaussian beam propagation and image formation in terms of a linear spatial filtering operation.

Part I: Review of Mathematical Background

• Define several special functions
• Summarize the mathematical operation of convolution
• Summarize the Fourier integral and Fourier series operations
• Describe the properties and theorems of the Fourier transform

Part II: Analysis of Linear Shift-invariant Systems

• Explain the theory
• Characterize the behavior of such systems by their impulse response functions
• Behavior of such systems in the frequency domain
• Functions of two independent variables

Part III: Diffraction in the Fresnel and Fraunhofer Regions

• Phenomenon of diffraction and its importance
• Fresnel conditions and the region of validity
• Fraunhofer conditions and the region of validity
• Effects of lenses on the diffraction phenomenon

Part IV: Fraunhofer Calculations and Gaussian Beam Propagation

• Calculate the Fraunhofer diffraction pattern irradiance for several diffracting objects
• Fraunhofer diffraction patterns
• Explain how the propagation of Gaussian beams is described by the Fresnel diffraction equation
• Surprising behavior of Gaussian beams

Part V: Analysis of Image-forming Systems

• Effects of diffraction on image-forming process
• Define coherent impulse response and transfer functions for an imaging system
• Demonstrate effects of pupil shape on the nature of coherent images
• Define incoherent point-spread function (PSF) and optical transfer function (OTF)
• Effects of aberrations on performance

Intended Audience: Scientists and engineers who need to become familiar with or learn more about the effects of diffraction on the propagation of optical wavefields and on the performance of image-forming systems.

Recommended Text: Each order will include a set of course notes to accompany the video. In addition, Linear Systems, Fourier Transforms, and Optics (Wiley, 1978) by Jack D. Gaskill, is recommended. To order this textbook, contact John Wiley and Sons at (908)469-4400.

Order Number: VT0792

Length: 5 hours

Individual Price: List US$395

Site License: List US$1,000

Optical Design: Principles of Optical System Layout

Warren J. Smith is Chief Scientist at Kaiser Electro-Optics, Inc. in Carlsbad, CA, and an independent consultant in optical design. This course will help you to:

This course will determine what optical components are necessary for your optical system beginning with requirements for image orientation, size and location, and any spatial limitations imposed by the application. From these, learn simple and easy techniques for systems layout. Solutions to the most commonly encountered cases have already been worked out as simple formulas. Applications to be covered will include: Telescopes, Beam Expanders, Afocal Attachments, Magnifiers, Microscopes, Field and Relay Lenses, Periscopes, Detector Optics, Condensers, Illumination Systems, Anamorphic Systems and Zoom (Varifocal) Systems. The effects of diffraction on the image and the limitations imposed on visual systems by the characteristics of the eye will be covered, as will the basic principles of mirrors and prisms.

This course will enable you to:

• Gain familiarity with the standard techniques for solving optical system problems
• Learn how to apply these techniques to your own particular applications
• Understand and be able to recognize the way that complex optical systems function
• Learn how to lay out an optical system which will meet your requirements.

Part I: Image Location

• Define optical systems, waves and rays, images, and magnification
• Locate the cardinal points
• Diagram image location and size
• Calculate image location and magnification (size)
• Trace ray paths by intersection lengths

Part II: Simple Raytracing and Two-component Solutions

• Trace ray paths by ray slopes and heights
• Calculate focal lengths and cardinal points for both single elements and complete systems
• Utilize simplified component-by-component raytrace
• Solve two-component systems
• Characterize standard two-component systems such as telephoto, retrofocus, etc.

Part III: Mirrors and Prisms: System Performance Limits

• Locate plane mirror images and analyze orientation
• Diagram erecting prisms and mirror equivalents
• Construct a prism tunnel diagram
• Describe diffraction effects and resolution limitations
• Correlate visual limits and diffraction effects
• Discuss gaussian (laser) beam diffraction

Part IV: Telescopes, Beam Expanders, Afocal Attachments, Power and Field Changers

• Define afocal (telescope) systems and recognize the standard design forms
• Differentiate angular, linear and longitudinal magnification
• Describe aperture stops and pupils
• Summarize the basic afocal laws
• Utilize afocals as attachments, power and field changers

Part V: Microscopes, Periscopes, Illuminators, Radiometers, Anamorphics and Zoom Systems

• Understand magnifiers and compound microscopes
• Layout afocal and microscope systems
• Combine field and relay lenses (periscopes)
• Equate the functions and the limits of condensers as used in illumination and radiometry
• Understand anamorphic and zoom systems

Intended Audience: Those who want to learn and understand the principles and techniques behind the first-order (paraxial) layout of optical systems. This course is applicable to the design of a wide range of optical systems in the visible, IR and UV spectral regions. It is especially directed to those who want to understand (with a minimum of abstract theory) the practical applications of these techniques. The course should be useful both to those with limited, and with intermediate, experience with optics.

Order Number: VT021293

Length: 5 hours

Individual Price: List US$395

Site License: List US$1,000

Introduction to Optical System Design & Engineering

Robert E. Fischer is president of OPTICS 1, Inc. of Westlake Village, CA.

This course provides a broad and useful background on the design and engineering of imaging optical systems, with a special emphasis placed on providing a clear and easy-to-understand discussion of optical design and engineering fundamentals. All aspects of the design and engineering of imaging optical systems for both visible applications as well as the thermal IR and UV are considered.

This course will show:

• What imaging optical systems are all about
• The nature of image degrading aberrations and how we eliminate them
• Diffraction and what diffraction-limited imagery is
• How we design and evaluate the performance of optical systems
• How refractive or lens systems relate to reflective or mirror systems, and the relative merits of each
• The all-important role of the basic design configuration
• How we design imaging optical systems for the thermal infrared
• How to tolerance an optical system
• Important fabrication, testing, and producibility issues for the design engineer
• Computer aided lens design programs and how we use them
• Design examples using a large computer program.

Part I: What Imaging Optical Systems Are All About

• Define basic first-order optics
• Explain system specifications, the fundamentals of imagery, and the purpose of imaging optical systems
• Discuss diffraction limited performance
• Identify image degrading aberrations and methods of correction

Part II: Design and Analysis of Real Systems

• Define optical path difference
• Compare spherical versus aspheric surfaces
• Discuss optical system configurations, lenses and mirrors: the key to success
• Explain glass selection
• Describe the design process

Part III: Thermal Infrared Systems and How They Differ from Visible Systems

• Discuss detector dewar geometry and how they relate to the optics
• Explain cold stop efficiency
• Describe scanning systems and configurations
• Present optical materials for the infrared
• Discuss image anomalies in IR systems
• Discuss sample IR optical designs

Part IV: Tolerancing and Producibility, or How We Produce Real Systems

• Explain why and how we tolerance an optical system
• Discuss important fabrication, testing, and producibility concepts

Part V: Design Examples Using State-of-the-Art Computer Optimization Programs

• Discuss computer aided optical design fundamentals and what the programs do
• Present an achromatic doublet example
• Present a complex double Gauss example

Intended Audience: Those who need to learn more about optical design and/or those who work directly or peripherally with optical designers and engineers. The course will be of interest and use to those involved in program management of systems with a strong optics emphasis, project engineering, marketing, or other support activities.

Order Number: VT0192

Length: 5 hours

Individual Price: List US$395

Site License: List US$1,000

Basic Optical Engineering for Electrical Engineers

Clint D. Harper is professor and head of the Department of Physics and Electro-optics at Moorpark College in Moorpark, CA.

Many specializations within electrical engineering and related disciplines now deal with systems that contain optical elements, including imaging systems and lasers. Particularly in research and development, it is advantageous for the electrical engineer to have a basic understanding of the theory and operation of the optical portion of the system. This course gives an introduction to geometric optics and Gaussian beam theory, and includes practical applications and lecture demonstrations.

This course will enable you to:

• Perform calculations involving image distance, object distance, magnification and focal length of thin lenses, thick lenses and spherical mirrors
• Design thin lenses, thick lenses and spherical mirrors of appropriate focal length
• Identify and minimize aberrations in thin lens systems
• Construct basic optical instruments involving lenses and mirrors
• Perform first-order calculations involving optical systems using the matrix theory
• Calculate the position and size of a Gaussian beam waist using Gaussian beam propagation techniques.

Part I: Reflection and Refraction of Light, Thin Lenses

• Describe the EM spectrum, Fermats Principle and Huygens Principle
• Explain how to ray trace reflections at plane and spherical surfaces
• Explain how to ray trace refractions at plane and spherical surfaces
• Perform basic calculations involving reflection and refraction
• Summarize thin lens theory
• Explain how to compute image position, lateral magnification for thin lenses
• Explain how to design thin lenses using the lens makers formula

Part II: Optical Instruments and Thick Lenses

• Describe basic thin lens systems
• Describe the operation of typical optical instruments containing thin lenses and/or mirrors
• Explain thick lens theory and how to perform typical calculations involving thick lenses

Part III: Aberration Theory

• Identify and understand the five basic Seidel aberrations
• Identify and understand chromatic aberration
• List techniques for reducing aberrations in optical systems

Part IV: The Matrix Theory of Paraxial Rays

• Describe the basic principles of paraxial matrix optics
• Explain how to compute the system matrix for basic lens and mirror systems
• Explain the meaning of the system matrix elements
• Describe how to compute image position and lateral magnification for representative optical systems
• Explain the propagation of spherical wavefronts using the system matrix

Part V: Gaussian Beam Propagation

• Describe how to manipulate complex numbers
• Define the complex radius
• Explain how to propagate complex radii using the system (ABCD) matrix
• Explain how to perform basic calculations of beam waist size, waist position, divergence angle and average irradiance using Gaussian beam propagation theory

Intended Audience: Electrical and electronic engineers, mechanical engineers, computer hardware engineers, systems engineers, and senior technicians with appropriate mathematics background who desire a basic understanding of the theory and operation of optical engineering. Serves as a good foundation for electrical engineers entering the field of optics.

Order Number: VT0292

Length: 5 hours

Individual Price: List US$455*

Site License: List US$1,060

* Dr. Harper makes extensive use of the Prentice-Hall text, Introduction to Optics, by Pedrotti and Pedrotti. One copy of this book is included with this video short course.

Properties and Performance of Optical Materials

Michael E. Thomas joined The Johns Hopkins University/Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD., in 1979 and has been working on electromagnetic propagation and optical properties of materials.

Optical materials cover the spectral range from microwaves to the ultraviolet and therefore directly impact systems utilizing this portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The performance of these systems is often limited by the properties of the optical materials employed. This course surveys the linear optical (absorption, elastic single scattering, emission and refraction), thermal, mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of concern to optical material performance. Basic definitions, temperature and frequency dependence, and the interrelationship of the different properties are covered. Examples are used wherever possible to illustrate basic concepts. Also, a set of example problems are presented to demonstrate optical material performance.

This course will allow you to:

• Select optical materials for specific applications
• Understand the basic concepts of optical properties
• Calculate transmittance, absorptance, emittance and reflectance based on the complex index of refraction
• Understand how optical properties affect design issues
• Become familiar with available data bases on material properties.

Part I: Introduction to the Properties of Optical Materials

• Introduce thermal, mechanical, chemical and optical properties
• Define basic parameters used in describing material properties

Part II: Basic Background for Optical Properties

• Optical electromagnetics
• Describe plane wave propagation
• Define the complex index of refraction
• Explain Poyntings Theorem
• Obtain the Total power law
• Introduce scattering in solids
• Solid State Spectroscopy
• Introduce the concepts of applied spectroscopy
• Describe classical oscillator model
• Explain phonons (fundamental and multiphonon)
• Describe electronic transitions at the band gap

Part III: Specific Optical Property Models for the Complex Index

• Describe free carrier models for metals and semiconductors
• Describe lattice vibrations models
• Describe models electronic transitions near the band gap (Urbach tail)
• Describe scatter models

Part IV: The Properties of Specific Materials

• Demonstrate the sapphire and other ionic bond materials
• Demonstrate diamond and other covalent bond materials
• Demonstrate BaF2 and other IR and visible transmitting materials
• Demonstrate fused silica and other glasses
• Demonstrate ZnSe and other 8 to 12 um transmitting materials

Part V: Applications

• Compute transmittance, reflectance and absorptance
• Compute normal, hemispherical and directional emissivity
• Consider material dispersion and achromatic considerations
• Consider athermal materials
• Consider thin films and impedance matching
• Consider fiber transmission

Intended Audience: The material is presented at a basic level, suitable for individuals with limited experience, but with a need for fundamental understanding of optical material properties and the corresponding impact on system performance. The course will be of interest to those involved with management, marketing, designing or applied research requiring a background in optical materials.

Order Number: VT030493

Length: 5 hours

Individual Price: List US$395

Site License: List US$1,000

Integration of Optical Coatings into an Optical System

Philip Baumeister was a professor of optics on the teaching staff of the University of Rochester for nearly two decades and is presently a Senior Program Manager at Deposition Sciences, Inc., Sebastopol, CA.

Optical coatings are used for the antireflection of the surfaces of lenses and prisms, as beamdividers, absorbers, polarizers, reflectors, and bandpass filters. The course provides an overview of their usage and systems integration.

This course will enable you to:

• Be aware of the how and where coatings may be used in optical systems
• Understand some of the limitations of coatings
• Gain an overview of how coatings function by optical interference
• Become conversant with methods of producing coatings - and how they are tested
• Review the steps needed to write the specifications of an optical coating.

Part I: Overview

• Show examples of optical interference
• Provide an overview optical coatings
• Define reflectance, transmittance and absorption
• Discuss coating performance at nonnormal incidence

Part II: Antireflection Coatings

• Compare single and multilayer coats
• Decide when narrowband coatings are used
• Review high laser damage coatings such as sol-gels
• Describe coatings for IR components

Part III: Edge Filters and Dichroic Coatings

• Decide when reflection and notch filters should be used
• Define the passband transmittance, slope, cut-on, cutoff
• Compare the performance of slab and immersed beam dividers

Part IV: Bandpass Filters and Reflectors

• Define bandwidth, shape, offband rejection and bandwidth
• Describe how coatings perform under conical illumination
• Compare metallic and dielectric reflectors

Part V: Usage and Characterization

• Explain how coatings are produced
• Discuss limitations of the substrates
• Describe how spectrophotometric measurement is made
• Describe how coatings are environmentally tested

Intended Audience: Those who use and specify optical coatings and desire to fully utilize the potential of coatings.

Order Number: VT031193

Length: 5 hours

Individual Price: List US$395

Site License: List US$1,000

Introduction to Optical Alignment Techniques

Instructor: Mitchell C. Ruda formerly a senior scientist with Talandic Research Corp., is president and founder of Ruda Associates, Inc.

This course will concentrate on the equipment and skills necessary to align optical devices. Simple quantitative and qualitative techniques for diagnosing misalignment errors will be covered. Instruction will be given on the use of some of the most basic tools used in the alignment of optical systems. Classic alignment examples, i.e. the alignment of lens elements and reflecting telescopes will be demonstrated in detail. It will also be shown how seemingly complicated alignment problems such as the alignment of an off-axis aspheric optical system can be achieved using the simple skills taught in this course.

This course will enable you to

• Recognize and understand the fundamental imaging and wavefront errors associated with misaligned optical systems
• Diagnose (quantitatively and qualitatively) what's wrong with an optical system by simply observing these fundamental imaging errors
• Determine if errors in the optical system are due to misalignment errors or other factors such as fabrication, design, or mounting problems
• Use the variety of tools available for aligning optical systems, and more importantly, how to "tweak" logically the adjustments on these devices so the alignment proceeds quickly and efficiently
• Align optical systems such as camera lenses and telescopes, as well as more complicated systems employing off-axis aspheric surfaces.

Part I: Introduction and basic fundamentals

• Identify fields drawn upon for successful optical alignment
• Describe the difference between an alignment plan and a procedure
• Explain the general philosophy on how to align an optical system
• Define fundamental terms and tools -
• Discuss the wavefront polynomial expansion

Part II: Recognizing the elementary third-order aberrations and their role in optical alignment

• Describe methods for estimating focus
• Explain the relationship between longitudinal magnification and alignment spacing tolerances -
• Describe coma and spherical aberration as diagnostic alignment tools -
• Distinguish alignment induced aberrations from other types of system aberrations

Part III: The description and use of basic alignment tools and techniques -

• Explain the role of the alignment telescope
• Describe the alignment telescope
• Show how to align a single optical surface
• Describe the use of the autostigmatic cube
• Show how to use a lateral shear interferometer
• Describe how to check for vignetting

Part IV: Classic alignment examples

• Explain alignment of lens elements
• Describe three ways to align a cassegrain telescope

Part V: Alignment of off-axis aspheric optical systems

• Demonstrate techniques for aligning off-axis parabolas
• Explain how to align a stand-alone general aspheric

Intended Audience: This course is directed toward engineers and technicians needing basic, practical information and techniques to achieve alignment of simple optical systems, as well as seemingly more complicated off-axis aspheric systems.

Order Number: VT110694

Length: 5 hrs

Individual Price: List US$395

Site License: List US$1,000

Fundamentals of Radiometry: Calculation, Measurement and Calibration

Instructor: James M. Palmer is an associate research professor at the Optical Sciences Center, University of Arizona, where he received a PhD in optical sciences.

This course will present the fundamental concepts of radiometry, the measurement of optical radiant energy, including current nomenclature and terminology. the basics of transfer of radiant energy from extended and point sources are covered in detail, with numerous examples of radiometric calculations. The various methods and configurations for conducting radiometric measurements and calibrations are explored. Current radiometric standards and their usage are described. There are many pitfalls that are encountered during the conduct of measurement and calibration activities; these will be outlined along with their cure and avoidance.

This course will enable you to:

• Understand the complex terminology of radiometry
• Calculate the irradiance and power on a focal plane from near and distant point and extended sources
• Select appropriate measurement and calibration configurations
• Choose pertinent radiometric standards
• Identify systematic error sources and mitigate their effects

Part I: Introduction

• Define radiometric terminology
• Explain areas and solid angles
• Describe radiance and throughput

Part II: Radiative Transfer

• Integrate radiometric quantities from radiance
• Apply radiative transfer laws and configuration factors
• Apply the basic equations of transfer
• Describe conceptual examples
• Describe practical examples

Part III: Measurements of Optical Radiation

• Apply the measurement equation
• Predict and calculate errors in radiometric measurements
• Understand and select measurement and calibration configurations
• Describe temporal factors; determine appropriate use of choppers
• Compare extended vs. point course measurements

Part IV: Radiometric Calibration

• Describe a comprehensive calibration philosophy and traceability
• Select among source standards and receiver standards
• Calibrate a radiometer
• List the state-of-the-art: present and future

Part V: Special Problems and Solutions

• Describe effects of Gaussian beams and coherence
• Anticipate polarization effects
• Predict diffraction effects
• Anticipate stray light and atmospherics
• Describe aberration effects

Intended Audience: Engineers and technicians who are responsible for radiometric calculations, measurements and calibration

Order Number: VT040695

Length: 5 hours

Individual Price: List US$395

Site License: List US$1,000

Basic Optics for Mechanical Engineers

Gary Wiese is a member of the professional staff in the optical design group at Martin Marietta Electronic and Missile Systems in Orlando, FL.

For most mechanical engineers, working with precision optical systems elicits many practical questions. Why are there so many lenses? Why do they have to be so big? Why are the tolerances so tight? This course explains the optical principles on which the answers to these and other common questions are based. Students should note that it is not a course on optical mounting design.

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