First-Order Optics: Rays, Stops, And Pupil Analysis

Dive Into the Fundamentals of Light and Optical Design: Understanding Rays, Appertures, Field of View, F-Number ,…

What you'll learn

Explore Light, Rays, and Wavefronts

Analyze Aperture and Field Stops

Understand focal length (f), field of view (FOV), F-number (F/#), and other critical parameters.

Calculate Optical Path Length

Understand the Importance of Optics

Understand Ray Types and Their Roles

Learn Conventions and Notations

Relate Theory to Practical Applications

Build a Strong Foundation for Optical Design

Requirements

This course is designed for beginners, so no prior experience with optics or optical systems is necessary.

Basic Math Skills

Interest in Optical Design

No Specialized Equipment Needed

Description

Unlock the fascinating world of optics with this comprehensive course designed for beginners and professionals alike. Dive into the core principles of light and optical design, exploring essential concepts that form the foundation of modern optical systems.This course takes you on a journey through the basics of light behavior, including Snell’s Law and the laws of reflection, to more advanced topics like paraxial rays, marginal rays, and chief rays. You’ll gain a clear understanding of how these rays influence optical performance and the critical roles of the aperture stop, field stop, and sensor format in designing optical systems.We’ll also delve into key optical metrics such as field of view (FOV) and F-number, helping you connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Learn to analyze optical paths, understand symmetry in optical systems, and master first-order ray tracing techniques to design and evaluate optical elements effectively.Whether you’re an engineer, scientist, or student eager to learn about optics, this course equips you with the knowledge and tools to succeed. By the end, you’ll be confident in understanding and applying optical principles to solve real-world challenges in fields like imaging, photography, and optical engineering. Join us and bring your optical design skills to light!

Overview

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 Introduction

Lecture 2 Instructor

Section 2: The Physics of Light

Lecture 3 Why Understanding Optics is Essential?

Lecture 4 Law of Refraction (Snell’s Law)

Lecture 5 Law of Reflection

Lecture 6 Light, Rays, and Wavefronts

Lecture 7 Optical Path Length

Section 3: Core Principles of Optical Systems

Lecture 8 Symmetry in Optical Systems

Lecture 9 The Object Side and the Image Side

Lecture 10 Aperture Stop

Lecture 11 Field Stop

Lecture 12 Image Sensor Format

Lecture 13 Entrance Pupil

Lecture 14 Exit Pupil

Section 4: Understanding Rays in Optical Systems

Lecture 15 Paraxial Rays

Lecture 16 Paraxial and Trigonometric Rays in Optical Systems

Lecture 17 Marginal Rays

Lecture 18 Chief Rays

Lecture 19 Real Rays and First-order Rays

Lecture 20 First-Order Ray-Tracing: Refraction & Transfer

Lecture 21 Invariants in Physics

Lecture 22 First-order ray invariants

Lecture 23 Conventions

Section 5: Key Elements in Optical Systems

Lecture 24 Focal Length (f)

Lecture 25 Field of View (FOV)

Lecture 26 F-number (F/#)

Beginners in Optics,Optical and Mechanical Engineers,Designers of Optical Systems,Physics and Engineering Students,Hobbyists and Enthusiasts,Professionals in Emerging Fields,This course is structured to benefit both absolute beginners and professionals looking to fill knowledge gaps or refresh their understanding of first-order optics.,Engineers working in optical design, optomechanical systems, or related fields seeking to enhance their understanding of optical fundamentals.,Students or professionals new to the field of optics who want to build a strong foundation in optical principles and ray tracing.,Undergraduate or graduate students studying optics, photonics, or related subjects looking to complement their academic knowledge with practical insights.,Those passionate about understanding how optical systems work, from everyday lenses to advanced imaging devices.,Designers or researchers in AR/VR, night vision, or biomedical imaging who want to strengthen their theoretical background.