The objective of the course is two-fold:

1) Provide the basic tools of geometrical radiometry and colorimetry, which are needed for designing electro-optical detection systems (flux collectors or image forming systems). At the end of this course future engineers or scientists will be able to specify and characterize the optical and the optoelectronic components of subsystems such as: light sources, propagating media, surfaces, optical components, detectors. For this goal, the black body model and the description of the scattering and absorption phenomena are also addressed.

2) Knowing the main characteristics of optronic detectors. Understand and answer specifications using a system approach that is generally followed by project leaders or R&D engineers. Optimize the design of optical sensors, by evaluating their signal to noise ratio, basic parameter on system performance. The specific case of digital cameras with their performances and technological limitations will be treated.

Optical Radiometry :
1. General introduction.
2. Basic quantities and relationship of geometric radiometry. Visual quantities and units.
3. Radiometric properties of optical systems.
4. Introduction to spectro-radiometry.
5. Introduction to colorimetry.
6. Blackbody model and thermal radiation.
7. Photometric properties of surfaces and media.

Detection systems :
1. Families of optronic detectors : quantum and thermal.
2. Main characteristics (spectral sensitivity, Noise Equivalent Power, specific detectivity).
3. How to compute “useful signal” and noise of sensor .
4. Evaluation and optimization of signal to noise ratio.
5. Digital cameras: architecture, mode of operation and spectral sensitivity.
6. Noise and SNR in digital cameras.

Requirements : Geometrical optics

Evaluation mechanism : Two written exams (2h)

Last Modification : Wednesday 4 December 2019