Modern Optics OpenCourseWare: A Free Undergraduate Course on Optical Devices by MIT

Published Jan 31, 2009

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Optics is the technological force underlying everyday conveniences, such as copiers, DVD players, supermarket scanners, digital cameras and even the Internet. 'Modern Optics Project Laboratory,' a free OpenCourseWare that is offered by MIT, examines laboratory optics and optical theories, mechanisms and methods. Students interested physics, astronomy computer science will find the information in this undergraduate-level course beneficial.

Modern Optics Project Laboratory: Course Specifics

Degree Level Free Audio Video Downloads
Undergraduate Yes No No Yes

Lectures/Notes Study Materials Tests/Quizzes
Yes Yes No

Modern Optics Project Laboratory: Course Description

The goal of this course is to help students to gain practical knowledge of the physical concepts involving modern optical systems and to help students develop an understanding of the basic theories of optics. 'Modern Optics Project Laboratory' is a free OpenCourseWare that is taught by Professor Cardinal Warde from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The first several lectures concentrate on classical optics, the science of studying the relationship between light and vision. Topics covered during this portion of the course include lenses, microscopes, telescopes and cameras. Subsequent lectures cover many of the mechanisms and theories that are commonly used in today's optical systems. Students can expect to study the theories of lasers, electro-optic holography, reflection and refraction and the optical properties of materials. There is also a review of liquid-crystal light modulators, optical detectors, optical waveguides and fiber-optic communication systems.

The materials for this course are available in downloadable PDF files and include labs, assignments and projects. There is also a list of suggested readings and a compilation of related resources. If you would like to take advantage of this OpenCourseWare, go to the modern optics course page.

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