Goal:  This course will provide the student with a fundamental understanding of optical system design and instrumentation.  The course begins with the foundations of geometrical optics, which includes the first-order properties of systems, and paraxial raytracing, continues with a discussion of elementary optical systems, and concludes with an introduction to optical materials and dispersion.  A special emphasis is placed upon the practical aspects of the design of optical systems.

Instructor Notes:  Will be required and will be distributed at cost.

Required Text:  Field Guide to Geometrical Optics, J. E. Greivenkamp    ISBN: 0819452947

References:   A useful list of optics references

Grading Policy:                Homework  20%
                                        Midterm (In-class)  35%
                                        Final - In Class  45%

Only a basic scientific calculator may be used for the in-class exams.  This calculator must not have programming or graphing capabilities.  An acceptable example is the TI-30 calculator.  Each student is responsible for obtaining their own calculator.  Please note that this type of calculator is also required for the Ph.D. Comprehensive Exam in Optical Sciences.

Homework Assignments & Solution Sets:  These will be posted as .pdf files through this website.  If you need Acrobat Reader to view .pdf files, please see the Adobe website for a free download.

There will be approximately one assignment per week, and it will usually be due in one week.  The solutions to the homework will be posted at the same time as the homework is assigned.  The purpose of the homework is for you to practice the techniques discussed in class or to reinforce this material.  Completion of the homework is important to fully master this material.  Collaboration and discussion of the homework is encouraged. 

Homework is due in the classroom on the assigned day.  It must be turned in before the start of class.  A student may only turn in their own homework.

Because the homework solutions are available as a resource during the completion of the assigned homework, the grading of the homework will be based upon verification that the homework problems have been completed and turned in.  Approval for late homework must be obtained in advance.

Late Homework Policy for On-Campus Students

Exam Schedule:

Please note the final exam date that has been assigned by the University – plan your holiday travel accordingly as the final exam will not be available prior to this date.

Homework Schedule:

Downloads (updated throughout the semester):

NOTE: Some of the past exams cover material not included in the current Midterm Exam.
NOTE: Some of the past exams cover material not included in the current Final Exam.  In particular, aberrations are not included in the current Final Exam.

Special Instructions for Distance Students

All course materials for Distance Learning Students must be received in Tucson by Monday December 19, 2011.

Syllabus

Academic Integrity

Absence

Other Policies

These pages last updated 11/21/11

---

College of Optical Sciences
The University of Arizona, 1630 East University Boulevard, Tucson, Arizona U.S.A. 85721-0094

All contents copyright © 2009  Arizona Board of Regents.