OPTI 696D

Practical Optics Seminar: Engineering Optical Systems (1). This class introduces students to systems engineering issues using commercial optical systems as examples.

Meeting Times: Tuesdays 3:30 to 4:45 p.m.

Course Objectives:
In this class, teams of students will each be assigned a particular optical system (i.e. laser printer). They will research these systems and do some reverse engineering on a supplied system. Each team will provide two presentations to the class.

  1. System Overview
    • Describe the class of systems (i.e. laser printers), stating the key metrics
    • Explain the principles of how the system works
    • Identify key subsystems, relate system performance to subsystem requirements
    • Summarize the current state of technology for this type of system
  2. Analysis of Specific System
    • Disassemble the system and show key components and subsystems
    • Discuss features of this system and surmise design decisions
The first 5 weeks of the class will be examples presented by the instructors. The remaining classes will consist of the student presentations and discussions.

Homework:
Each student will be required to submit a weekly 1-page summary report from each of the classes.

Student learning outcomes include:
  1. Developing a systems engineering perspective
  2. Learning how some common optical systems work
  3. Working effectively in teams
  4. Building presentation skills
Suggestions for Optical Systems to Study:
  • Laser printer
  • Fax machine
  • CD/RW
  • Fiber optic communication system
  • Free space laser communication system
  • Digital camera
  • LCD display
  • Endoscope
  • Thermal imager
  • Digital projector
  • Image stabilized camera
  • IR thermometer
  • Amateur telescope
  • Motion detector
  • 35 mm camera
  • Optical mouse
  • Optical encoder
  • Laser displacement probe
  • IR gas detector
  • Pulse oximeter
  • Colorimeter
  • Spectroradiometer
  • Spectrometer
Grading:
Grading is based on the two team presentations (50%) and the weekly summary reports (50%).