Introduction to Optical Instruments - 525.604

This course is intended to serve as an introduction to optics and optical instruments that are used in engineering, physical, and life sciences. The course covers first basics of ray optics with the laws of refraction and reflection and goes on to description of lenses, microscopes, telescopes, and imaging devices. Following that basics of wave optics are covered, including Maxwell equations, diffraction and interference. Operational principles and performance of various spectrometric and interferometric devices are covered including both basics (monochromatic, Fabry-Perot and Michelson interferometers), and advanced techniques of near field imaging, laser spectroscopy, Fourier domain spectroscopy, laser Radars and others.