92298 - Applied Optics

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student knows the fundamentals of geometric, refractive and diffractive optics. He/she also acquires the basis of optical system design for advanced instrumentation in the field of scientific research and industrial applications.

Course contents

Geometrical optics

Reflection, refraction and dispersion

Mirrors, lenses and prisms

Compound optical systems

Geometric aberrations

Wave optic

Fresnel equations

Polarization and polarimetry

Spectroscopy

Interferometry

Fourier optics

Applications

Non imaging optics

Telescopes

Microscopy and refractive optical systems

Adaptive Optics

System engineering approach

Basics of tolerances

Optical design using ZEMAX OpticStudio

Work environment, optimization, tolerances, examples

No additional content is foreseen for non-attending students.

Readings/Bibliography

Teaching material provided by the teacher.

Recommended books:

Eugene Hecht, Optics, Addison-Wesley.

Daniel J. Schroeder, Astronomical Optics, Academic Press.

Warren J. Smith, Modern Optical Engineering, McGraw Hill

Focardi et al, Fisica Generale – Onde e Ottica

Teaching methods

Traditional lessons for theory and optical application examples.

The teaching material, in a non definitive version, will be published on the IOL website a few days before the lesson. A few days after the lesson, the material will be published in the final version for the current year.

During the optical design lessons (ray tracing), the commercial software ZEMAX OpticStudio will be used. Possibility to obtain temporary licenses ZEMAX Global Academic Program to follow the lessons actively and interactively on the student laptop, valid only for students enrolled in the course.

Students must present a short report or a presentation at the evaluation exam concerning the results of optical design work relative to the topic agreed upon with the teacher. Students are welcome to propose topics. The work can be done in pairs.

Assessment methods

Oral examination will consist in:

- discussion of the optical design work, either through a short report or a presentation. The student can also show the results by opening the Zemax files at the exam. The work subject has to be agreed upon with the teacher.  

- two questions regarding topics of the course.

The purpose of the oral exam is to verify the student's ability to apply his or her knowledge and to make the necessary logical-deductive connections.

Gradations of the final grade:

Preparation on a very limited number of topics and poor analytical skills → 18-19;

Preparation on a limited number of topics but ability to autonomous analysis  → 20-24;

Preparation on a large number of topics and ability to make independent choices of critical analysis → 25-29;

Exhaustive preparation and ability to make independent choices of critical analysis and connection→ 30-30L

Optical design project to be agreed with the teacher. The project will then be discussed and evaluated during the examination.

Teaching tools

Projector, blackboard

Office hours

See the website of Matteo Lombini

See the website of Emiliano Diolaiti

See the website of Fausto Cortecchia