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University of Colorado Boulder

First Order Optical System Design

This course is part of Optical Engineering Specialization

Robert McLeod

Instructor: Robert McLeod

20,988 already enrolled

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.3

(318 reviews)

Advanced level
Designed for those already in the industry
Flexible schedule
Approx. 21 hours
Learn at your own pace
85%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.3

(318 reviews)

Advanced level
Designed for those already in the industry
Flexible schedule
Approx. 21 hours
Learn at your own pace
85%
Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

  • be able to design, to first order, such optical systems with simple mathematical and graphical techniques

Details to know

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Assessments

13 quizzes

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Optical Engineering Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 5 modules in this course

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.

What's included

9 videos3 readings3 quizzes4 discussion prompts

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.

What's included

7 videos5 readings1 quiz1 discussion prompt

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.

What's included

12 videos1 reading3 quizzes1 discussion prompt

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.

What's included

8 videos2 readings3 quizzes1 discussion prompt

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.

What's included

10 videos3 readings3 quizzes

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.5 (123 ratings)
Robert McLeod
University of Colorado Boulder
3 Courses23,265 learners

Offered by

Recommended if you're interested in Electrical Engineering

Build toward a degree

This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Colorado Boulder. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹

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4.3

318 reviews

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    4.08%

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Reviewed on Jan 10, 2020

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4

Reviewed on Dec 1, 2021

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