This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5600, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.
First Order Optical System Design
First Order Optical System Design
This course is part of Optical Engineering Specialization
Instructor: Robert McLeod
21,260 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.3
(318 reviews)
Advanced level
Designed for those already in the industry
Flexible schedule
Approx. 21 hours
Learn at your own pace
85%
Most learners liked this course
What you'll learn
be able to design, to first order, such optical systems with simple mathematical and graphical techniques
Details to know
Shareable certificate
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Assessments
13 quizzes
Taught in English
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This course is part of the Optical Engineering Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 5 modules in this course
This module introduces rays, which we use to describe the motion of light through air and materials. The course overview describes the goals of this course and gives tips on how to make the best use of the course materials to be successful. The lectures introduce the material. The in-video questions, lab demonstrations, PhET interactive demonstration, practice problems, and homework assignment allow you to get actively involved in learning the material.
What's included
9 videos3 readings3 quizzes4 discussion prompts
In this module, you will learn how to enter the description of an optical system into OpticStudio, analyze the performance of that system using various calculations and plots, and finally optimize that design by defining a merit function and search variables.
What's included
7 videos5 readings1 quiz1 discussion prompt
This module applies Snell's Laws to the curved interfaces of lenses and mirrors. You will learn the graphical and mathematical tools you need to calculate image size and location for thin lens and mirror systems. This foundation is essential to build more complex optical systems.
What's included
12 videos1 reading3 quizzes1 discussion prompt
This module extends the analysis of the previous module to include the effects of real, thick lenses. You will learn how to input this factor into your optical system analysis and design.
What's included
8 videos2 readings3 quizzes1 discussion prompt
For multiple element optical systems, the mathematical tools introduced in this module will make analysis faster and more efficient. In this module, you will learn how to cascade multiple lens systems using matrix multiplication.
What's included
10 videos3 readings3 quizzes
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.5 (124 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Electrical Engineering
California Institute of the Arts
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
University of London
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Build toward a degree
This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Colorado Boulder. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹
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4.3
318 reviews
- 5 stars
59.87%
- 4 stars
23.51%
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Showing 3 of 318
SA
4
Reviewed on Aug 16, 2020
Excellent content and instruction. Difficult to get feedback on problems with software and quiz answer input.
JJ
4
Reviewed on Apr 23, 2022
Excellent content and instructor, but, resources for this online course are a bit limited. Getting the OpticStudio software was a challenge.
RG
5
Reviewed on Aug 25, 2019
Really nice course with very clear explanations of the principles of optical engineering and learn how to use ZEMAX Opticstudio to simulate your optical system
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Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
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When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
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