Course Summary
Learn about optical efficiency and resolution in this course, which covers topics such as diffraction, aberrations, and Fourier optics.Key Learning Points
- Understand the principles of optical efficiency and resolution
- Learn about the effects of diffraction and aberrations on optical systems
- Explore Fourier optics and its applications
Related Topics for further study
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the fundamental principles of optical efficiency and resolution
- Analyze and design optical systems with consideration of diffraction and aberrations
- Apply Fourier optics to solve practical problems in optical engineering
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- Basic knowledge of mathematics and physics
- Familiarity with optical terminology
Course Difficulty Level
IntermediateCourse Format
- Online
- Self-paced
Similar Courses
- Optical Design and Analysis
- Introduction to Optics
- Applied Optics
Related Education Paths
Notable People in This Field
- Dr. Mary Johnson
- Dr. Robert Lee
Related Books
Description
This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5601, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.
Outline
- Geometrical Optics for Gaussian Beams
- Introduction to the Course
- Light has a shape
- The Gaussian beam
- The Gaussian q parameter
- The evolution of the q parameter
- Gaussian Beam Propagation Lab Demo
- Ray tracing Gaussian beams
- Examples of ray tracing Gaussian beams
- Do Gaussian beams obey imaging?
- The Lagrange invariant
- The post-doc's tale
- Design of a fiber to fiber coupler
- Course overview
- Tools and Resources
- Gaussian Beam Practice Problems
- Gaussian Beam OpticStudio Practice
- Practice Problem
- Gaussian Beams
- Maxwell's Equations
- Maxwell's equations
- Lorentz oscillator
- Wave equation
- Plane waves
- Spatial frequency
- Spherical waves
- Fresnel coefficients
- Brewster's Angle Laboratory Demonstration
- Spatial Frequency Introduction
- Polarization: Sunglasses and the Sky
- Absorption Practice
- Practice Problems
- Maxwell's Equations
- Impulse Responses and Transfer Functions
- Lenses take Fourier transforms
- Fourier Transform of the Gaussian Beam
- The Airy disk
- Cutoff Frequency
- The coherent transfer function
- The relation of impulse response and transfer function
- Incoherent impulse response
- Optical transfer function
- Summary
- Implementation in OpticStudio
- Airy Disk OpticStudio Practice
- Impulse Responses
- Finite Aperture Optics
- Aperture stop and pupils
- Field stop and windows
- Lyot stop
- Stops Laboratory Demonstration
- Effective NA and F#
- Depth of focus
- Vignetting
- Telecentric imaging
- Lagrange invariant
- Resolvability
- Example and Phase Space
- Finite Aperture Practice
- Fine Aperture Optics
- Radiometry
- Typical radiometry problem
- Radiometry units
- Solid angle
- Blackbody radiation
- Lasers vs. lamps
- Tilted sources
- Cos 4th law
- Constant radiance theorem
- Constant radiance theorem again
- Example
- Introduction to Blackbody Radiation
- Radiometry
Summary of User Reviews
Read reviews on Coursera's Optical Efficiency and Resolution course. This course has received positive feedback from many users. A key aspect that users enjoyed was the instructor's expertise and clear explanations. However, some users found the course material to be too technical, while others felt that it could have been more engaging.Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course
The instructor's expertise and clear explanationsPros from User Reviews
- Instructor is knowledgeable and explains concepts clearly
- Course material is well-structured and informative
- Good balance of theoretical concepts and practical applications
Cons from User Reviews
- Course material can be overly technical for beginners
- Lack of interactive elements can make the course feel monotonous
- Some users found the pace to be too slow
Amy Sullivan
4.1 Raiting
iLabX – The Internet Masterclass
- 0.0
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
You want to know how the Internet works? You want to fully understand computer networking and even set it up yourself?...
Legal Tech and the Digital Transformation of Law
- 5
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
The digital revolution changed the way we communicate and trade. Now, it is coming into the world of law. Your opportunity to become a digital lawyer....
Turn Ethical Frameworks into Actionable Steps
- 4.6
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Ethical principles build a strong foundation for driving ethical technologies. Principles alone can be elusive and impractical for application. An approach is needed to reconcile these issues....
Physics of silicon solar cells
- 4.2
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
The first MOOC “Photovoltaic solar energy” is a general presentation of the solar photovoltaics technologies in the global energetic context, without extensive details....
