Laser optics research at Idaho National Laboratory. (Image courtesy of Idaho National Laboratory (INL) on Flickr. CC BY 2.0.)
Instructor(s)
Nicholas X. Fang
MIT Course Number
2.71 / 2.710
As Taught In
Spring 2014
Level
Undergraduate / Graduate
Course Description
Course Features
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to optical science with elementary engineering applications. Topics covered in geometrical optics include: ray-tracing, aberrations, lens design, apertures and stops, radiometry and photometry. Topics covered in wave optics include: basic electrodynamics, polarization, interference, wave-guiding, Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction, image formation, resolution, space-bandwidth product. Analytical and numerical tools used in optical design are emphasized. Graduate students are required to complete assignments with stronger analytical content, and an advanced design project.