Introduction to Optics and Photonics

Catalog description

This course is designed to help students gain an understanding of the fundamental principles of optics and photonics. Topics covered include the properties and operating principles of sources and detectors of light, the principles of reflection, refraction, image formation, image aberrations, absorption, scattering, fiber optic communications, polarization, diffraction, interference, lasers, and holography. Applications of the principles of optics and photonics are emphasized with examples that range from optics in nature to optics and photonics in science and engineering. In the associated laboratory section, students have opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the MSOE Applied Optics Laboratory and the Photonics and Sensors Laboratory.