DIRECTED ENERGY PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY


Optics Course
2 September - 4 November 2014 Online Distance Learning

Course Details   Instructors   Delivery Method   Current Schedule   Registration & Fees

Course Overview

This course provides a basic introduction to the theoretical foundations of applied optics. The course is offered by the Center for Directed Energy (CDE) at the Air Force Institute of Technology.

Classification:
Unclassified, Limited Distribution C

Lead Instructor:
Dr. Jack McCrae, AFIT

Credits
Students earn 3.2 CEUs from DEPS for successful completion of the course. Student performance is assessed by a series of pass/fail written exercises.

Course Details

This course is for the practicing engineer who will be working with optics. The course provides a basic introduction to the theoretical foundations of applied optics and it follows the book "Optics", fourth edition, by Eugene Hecht, which is included in the course fee. A better understanding of the course material is helped with knowledge of electro-magnetic but not essential for application of the theory presented. The course develops the Fresnel Equations and the fundamental laws of geometric optics. Paraxial (Gaussian) optics is presented with
emphasis on pupils, stops, and field-of-view determination. Basic geometric calculations based on the lens maker's equation include the use of matrix optics. The student is introduced to first order calculations of aberrations with a complete discussion on the Seidel aberrations and the types of distortion. Diffraction is presented with development of Fresnel and Fraunhofer approximations for propagation calculations. Included are topics on diffraction gratings and Fabry-Perot for spectroscopy. The student will be prepared to set up an optical system with the ability to calculate entrance/exit pupils, image locations, magnifications and the systems' field-of-view. The course material includes the book by Hecht and a soft and hard copy of all slides.

Topics    

  • Huygens' and Fermat's Principles    
  • Snell's Law, EM formulation of Fresnel Equations & the Laws of Geometrical Optics    
  • Gaussian Optics, Image Formation, pupils, stops, matrix optics, aberrations    
  • Diffraction, Fresnel and Fraunhofer Integrals

    Intended Students
    Suggested registrants hold undergraduate degrees in engineering or science. Participation is restricted to students who are employees of the U.S. government or U.S. government contractors. This course is for the practicing engineer who will be working with optics. The course provides a basic introduction to the theoretical foundations of applied optics and it follows the optics book by Eugene Hecht. A better understanding of the course material is helped with knowledge of electro-magnetism but not essential for application of the theory presented.

    Course Instructor
    Jack E. McCrae, Jr. received his Ph.D. in Physics from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1997, an M.S. in Physics (Optics) from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1993, and a B.S. in Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1984. He is a retired Air Force Colonel with 27 years of service and currently a Senior Research Associate with the Center for Directed Energy at AFIT. His research interests include optics, lasers, quantum and non-linear optics, laser radar, atmospheric propagation and imaging.

    Delivery Approach
    This course is offered in distance learning mode which is primarily asynchronous. The lecture content is prerecorded and can be viewed at any time at the convenience of the student. Lectures are viewed in a web browser and can be downloaded from - or streamed over - the internet. (Both methods are available in case a student has problems with one or the other.) More detailed access instructions will be provided upon registration.

    The asynchronous lectures are supplemented by synchronous sessions using a webinar service. These sessions are designed to give instructors live "face time" with students, for Q-and-A, and for reinforcing lesson concepts. These meetings also facilitate student-to-student interaction, which is often a valuable tool in the graduate learning setting. To join these web conferences, students will need an internet-connected computer and a telephone. These sessions meet for an hour or so; attendance is not mandatory but highly encouraged. Specific meeting times are determined after students have been polled at the outset of the course.

    Aside from the weekly webinar sessions of 60 - 90 minutes per week, students can set their own schedule for the course. Nevertheless, students must complete the course within eight weeks.

    System requirements include high-speed internet access and a telephone. AFIT uses Microsoft Live Meeting as its webinar service provider. To join the meeting, ideally a small plug-in is installed on the student's computer. This is a one-time installation. If this cannot be accomplished, such as for lack of privileges on the employer's network, the student will still be able to join.

    Note: This distance learning course is now available on your iPad or iPhone.

    Current Schedule of Offerings

    28 May - 30 July 2014

    Registration & Fees

    The fee for this Distance Learning course is $1200, which includes the textbook, access to the web-based material, and participation in the weekly webinar.

    Registration

    Complete and submit this online registration form to register for the Fall 2014 distance learning Optics Course. The course will be available online from 2 September through 4 November 2014. Multiple forms of payment are available including using our secure sever to pay online at this time. Note that some organizations have installed web filters that prevent online registration from inside their facilities. If this appears to be true for you, please try again off site.

    Persons requesting cancellation through 12 August will receive a full refund. Cancellations after 12 August are subject to a $100 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given after 29 August.

    Questions?

    Call DEPS at 505-998-4910.

     
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  • Last updated: 29 April 2014