This course aims at mastering the analysis and design of optical instruments in the paraxial approximation, first step in the design of an optical system before taking into account aberrations. The general properties of all optical systems in the paraxial approximation are emphasized, rather than listing all different formulas for each optical element.

This course covers ray optics in the paraxial approximation, and the properties of optical instruments: magnification, aperture, resolution, field of view and depth of field. It will be illustrated by demos and labs. To master this subject, it is necessary to practice solving problems, so many problems will be handed, sometimes solved partly in class. This course is a prerequisite for the Optical Design course.

Evaluation mechanism : 50% of the grade will come from the homeworks, which should be handed in on a weekly basis (the exercises that are actually taken into account for the grade are picked randomly out of the homeworks); 50% of the grade will come from the final RAY OPTICS written exam of 3 hours in december.

Last Modification : Wednesday 28 September 2011