Optical Systems Technology Course Listings

This course explains fundamental principles and applications of optics. The basic characteristics and the design of optical components and systems will be discussed. Topics such as the history of optics and the presence of optical phenomenon in our everyday lives will be introduced and examined. Basic optical manufacturing will be presented and a comprehensive look into professional career paths will be explored in the optics industry. Specific areas also covered include geometrical optics, wave optics, metrology, fiber optics, photonics, aberration theory, human vision, and animal vision.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe Optics concepts in a real world setting.
2. Explain the functioning of the human visual system.
3. Describe the properties of light.
4. Define the processes used to manufacture optical components.
5. Identify the properties that make glass a phenomenal material.
6. Describe the skills and knowledge required for various careers in the Optics industry.
7. List Optics companies within a region and their scope of work.

An introductory course dealing with terminology and techniques in the use of analytical and laboratory methods for planning, executing and evaluating arrangements using components such as mirrors, prisms, thin and thick lenses, diffusers, stops, reticles, and various types of light sources. Reflection, refraction, dispersion, image formation and aberrations are studied with emphasis on the ray concept of light.

(Students not enrolled in an optical technology program may be admitted to the class with approval of the Department Chairperson.)

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the properties of the Electromagnetic Spectrum.
2. Analyze the optical properties of different materials.
3. Create basic lens measurements.
4. Calculate the focal length of optical components based on their characteristics.
5. Analyze optical systems for basic characteristics, such as focal length, magnification, image or object location.
6. Create detailed laboratory reports that convey an understanding of optical theory.
7. Describe the function of various optical components, which could include prisms, gratings, positive or negative lenses.
8. Utilize appropriate computer technology.

Concepts developed in OPT 131 are applied to the study of illumination and photometry, colorimetry, testing techniques for optical components and systems including the eye, telescope, microscope, photographic systems and optical methods of dimensional measurement.

Prerequisite: OPT 131.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the properties of optical systems.
2. Demonstrate the proper use of equipment for optical testing.
3. Create a Keplerian telescope.
4. Create a Galilean telescope.
5. Build a microscope.
6. Calculate the magnification for a given microscope.
7. Create detailed laboratory reports that convey understanding of optical systems.
8. Test optical components following established guidelines.
9. Analyze optical components test data for defects and aberrations.
10. Create multi element optical systems.
11. Utilize appropriate computer technology.

An introduction to the use and testing of fiber optic cable. Cable termination and splicing techniques will be performed. Standard tests of cables and cable systems will be conducted.

Prerequisites: OPT 131 or OPT 110 and MTH 140, or permission of department.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. To fabricate cable splices and terminations.
2. To run standard tests on cable, splices and terminations.
3. To connect and test fiber communication circuits.
4. To analyze fiber system component specifications.

This course teaches students the fundamentals of technical math and metrology as it is applied to optics manufacturing. Students will deepen practical understanding of mathematics, measurements, and a wide range of scenarios in optics manufacturing, testing, and quality assurance with appropriate software and testing tools. Students will learn to set up mathematical relations and equations based on physical situations, drawing on concepts from algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and statistical analysis.

Prerequisite(s): MTH 098 with a grade of C or better, or MCC Level 5 Mathematics Placement or Permission of Department

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Solve algebraic equations in optical manufacturing environment.
2. Convert between unit systems that includes degrees-radians, metric-imperial, or fractions-proportions-percentages-decimals.
3. Solve problems using geometric principles.
4. Create equations based on algebraic, geometric, or trigonometric principles that apply to optical manufacturing processes.
5. Solve equations commonly encountered in optical manufacturing that include fractions, exponents, logarithms, or trigonometric expressions.
6. Use appropriate metrology tools and methodologies to measure optics.
7. State the relationship between measurements and statistics.
8. Use measured sag and semi-diameter values of a surface to report a radius of curvature.
9. Interpret specifications to correctly set up optical manufacturing processes and measurement instruments.
10. Apply statistical concepts including average, range, standard deviation, or standard error to a set of measured values.
11. Apply statistical process control to manufacturing process data.

The chemical, optical and physical principles of the photographic system. In a series of laboratory assignments, the student gains experience in the use of a wide variety of equipment, as well as techniques of photographic testing of the system for image quality, information capacity, densitometry and sensitometry. Each student plans and executes a pictorial presentation related to a technical project.

Prerequisites: OPT 131, OPT 151 and OPT 211, or permission of instructor or permission of department.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Apply knowledge of optical systems to photography.
2. Explain optical properties using images taken from a digital camera.
3. Identify all the components of an imaging system.
4. Explain applications of photography basics.
5. Describe the techniques used in creating a sample of images (portfolio).
6. Orally report on the techniques used by the individual in creating a sample of images (portfolio).
7. Create a sample of duplicate images that use various stages of image processing techniques.
8. Utilize appropriate computer technology.

A study of light waves and how they may be used in today's technology. Electromagnetic radiation, coherence, interference and diffraction phenomena, transfer functions and the generation and use of polarized light. Analysis, manufacturing techniques and use of selected instruments using wave optics such as spectrometers, interferometers, diffraction gratings and thin film coatings. An introduction to properties and use of lasers and holography.

Prerequisite(s): OPT 131 or permission of department chair

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Analyze wave optics phenomena.
2. Explain various applications of wave optics.
3. Apply the basic theory of interferometers to test optical components.
4. Differentiate the following interferometers and their descendents: Fizeau, Newton, Michelson and Shearing.
5. Apply interference and diffraction theory to optical testing.
6. Use interferometers to measure optical components.
7. Utilize appropriate computer technology.

A study of optical materials, processes, and measurement techniques employed in the manufacture of modern optical components. In the laboratory portion, each student performs all the steps in planning, tooling, fabricating, finishing, testing, coating, and assembly of precision optical elements.

Prerequisites: OPT 135

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Create optical components using manual optical fabrication equipment.
2. Compare optical components to the specification required on the blueprint.
3. Test optical components to the specification required on the blueprint.
4. Create a laboratory notebook according to standard engineering guidelines.
5. Document optical fabrication practices.
6. Utilize appropriate computer technology.

This course will stress laser applications in science and industry, including measurement, communication, machining, information recording and holography. The basic principles of laser operation, construction and technology will be discussed in such a way that the student will be able to suggest and implement new ideas, and understand old ones, concerning laser applications and holography. The laboratory will include the actual recording and processing of holograms and other laser experiments.

Prerequisite: OPT 211 or permission of department.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe and perform all the necessary steps in the planning, recording and processing of a hologram.
2. Differentiate between the classifications of lasers.
3. Derive beam divergence and spot size.
4. Categorize laser modes, beam profile, interference and coherence.

A study of advanced processes, tools, and CNC technology that are shaping the methodology in manufacturing precision optical components. The course is designed to be very interactive, providing laboratory experience on the following subjects: CNC grinding and polishing, tolerancing, and metrology of precision optical lenses.

Prerequisite: OPT 213 or permission of department.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Classify the ISO 101110 standards currently being used in defining optical components.
2. Propose the manufacturing process of an optical component from raw material to finished component.
3. Recognize the advantage of employing CNC technology in spherical optical component manufacturing.
4. Recognize the advantage of employing CPM equipment.
5. Perform the proper procedure to test optical components during the manufacturing cycle.

This course extends and complements the two semesters of optical fabrication already in the curriculum. It covers assembly of multiple optical elements into cemented and mechanically mounted lens systems. It includes training in precision cleaning and inspection of optical surfaces. It also includes advanced metrology skills such as interferometry of transmitted beams and measurement of the optical transfer function. These are all skills that an advanced technician needs for the majority of optics industry clients. This course reinforces and consolidates the knowledge gained from the existing optical fabrication courses.

Prerequisite(s): OPT 235 or permission of department chair

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Handle an optical surface according to industry standards.
2. Clean an optical surface with air and solvents according to industry standards.
3. Form an achromatic doublet by assembling, aligning, and cementing two optical elements.
4. Measure the optical figure of a surface using a commercial phase shifting interferometer.
5. Measure the wavefront transmitted through an optical system using a commercial phase shifting interferometer.
6. Identify the centration and spacing of optical surfaces in an assembly using an optical centering system.
7. Assess the optical performance of an optical system using an Optical Transfer Function (OTF) measurement system.
8. Describe particulate control in a laminar flow clean environment.
9. Interpret optical drawings.
10. Prepare a Quality Assurance (QA) report using a standard template.
11. Inspect an optical surface to identify particles, scratches, and digs down to the micron size scale.

This course covers foundational topics required for the understanding of how light is used to transmit digital information. Emphasis will be placed on awareness of, and basic knowledge about, important technologies and applications in modern photonics industry. Topics include lasers, image display, fibers and communications, integrated optics, and medical applications. Lab activities and visits to local industry stress work-related knowledge and skills

Prerequisite(s): OPT 151

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the important types of lasers.
2. Explain practical applications of lasers.
3. Discuss how lasers are used in the medical field.
4. Explain the uses of optical fiber.
5. Explain the differences between various types of optical fiber.
6. List important fiber-based or non-fiber-based optical sensors.
7. Describe applications for integrated optics.
8. Explain how an LCD (liquid crystal display) depends on the properties of polarized light.
9. Compare integrated optics applications.
10. Describe how a hologram is created.
11. Describe how holograms compare with other image display technologies.

See the Department Chairperson.

Check if course is offered:
Fall Semester 2024
Spring Semester 2024
Summer Session 2024