Course Descriptions

Vector fields, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic field energy, wave equation, polarized light, time average measurement, Fresnel equations, scalar and vector potentials, gauge transformations, dispersion, metal optics, crystal optics, dipole radiation, mathematical formalism of polarized light, guided waves.

Rays and wavefronts, Snell's Law, mirror and prism systems, Gaussian imagery and cardinal points, paraxial ray tracing, stops and pupils, illumination systems, elementary optical systems, optical materials, dispersion, systems of thin prisms, system analysis using ray trace code, chromatic aberrations and achromatization, monochromatic aberrations, ray fans, spot diagrams, balancing of aberrations, aspheric systems.

Optical systems; Gaussian optics, aberrations, radiometry, sources, detectors, optical engineering.

Aberrations of optical systems: wavefans and rayfans, spot diagrams, wavefront expansion, effects of aberrations on image quality, aberration balancing, image quality measures; Color: colorimetry, chromaticity, color gamut, additive and subtractive colors; Polarization Optics; Digital Imaging Systems: resolution and aliasing, color filter arrays, aliasing suppression, image displays and projectors; Diffractive Optical Elements: theory, diffraction efficiency, modeling, applications including achromatization.

This course covers the basic mathematics needed for an in-depth understanding of the science and technology of fiber-optical communication systems. Every mathematical tool/technique developed in this course will first be motivated by the relevant application. The students are not expected to have a broad-based prior knowledge of the topics covered in this course, but they should generally be familiar with the basics of algebra, Euclidean geometry, trigonometry, integral and differential calculus, simple differential equations, and the rudiments of complex number analysis. The course will cover Complex Analysis, Fourier transform theory, and method of stationary phase (in the context of optical diffraction), vector algebra, linear algebra, ordinary and partial differential equations (e.g., Maxwell's electrodynamics, wave equation, diffusion equation), special functions (e.g., Bessel functions needed to study the guided modes of optical fibers), and probability theory (needed for understanding various sources of noise in communication systems, photodetection theory, digital communication via noisy channels, Information theory, etc.). Graduate-level requirements include completion of additional readings and additional problems on various homework assignments.

The course provides a survey of Optical Spectroscopic Methods and underlying phenomena for the study of materials. Graduate-level requirements include an individual research project with written report.

Laboratory in support of OPTI 501 and OPTI 505R.

Interference and interferometry, concepts of coherence, holography, diffraction theory, Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction, volume diffraction, Gaussian beam propagation, optical transfer function, speckle.

The generation, propagation, modification, detection and measurement of optical radiation and the design of radiometric systems. For graduate credit, graduate status and additional work will be required: The homework and the examinations will feature advanced problems for graduate students in the course.

Basic concepts in crystals and in optical response, optical properties of phonons and semiconductors, quantum wells, electro-optical properties of semiconductors, optical nonlinearities, solid state devices and laser diodes.

Probability theory, stochastic processes, noise, statistical optics, information theory, hypothesis testing, estimation, restoration.

earn the statistical nature of optical fields via concepts like spatial and temporal coherence. The second-order coherency theory of optical fields is crucial to gain a deeper understanding of optical instruments/systems such as interferometers and imaging systems. Students will be able to analyze partial coherence in imaging systems, laser speckle, and propagation in random medium.

Fundamentals of fiber and waveguide optics and applications to optical components and systems for fiber communication technology.

The experiments in this lab deal with a number of the subjects addressed in courses OPTI 511R, 541 and 507.

Fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics; application to model quantum systems; interaction of light with atoms; perturbation theory; two-level atom approximation; nonlinear optics; pulsed and CW laser operation; thermal sources; optical detectors.

Laboratory in support of OPTI 508 and OPTI 512R.

Mathematical background, convolution, the Fourier transform, linear filtering and sampling, two-dimensional operations, diffraction, image formation.

Measurement of paraxial properties of optical components, refractive index, surface figure, and surface finish.

Paraxial properties of optical systems, material qualification, ellipsometry, aberrations, basic interferometers, direct-phase measurement interferometry, measurement of surface quality, testing mirrors, windows, prisms and conercubes, measurement of index inhomogeneity, testing of spherical surfaces and lenses, aspheric testing, absolute measurements, system evaluation.

This course is intended to provide an introduction to the theory and operation of different types of photovoltaic devices, the characteristics of solar illumination, and the advantages and characteristics of concentrating and light management optics. The physical limits on photovoltaic cell performance and practical device operation will be analyzed. The main device emphasis will focus on different types of silicon photovoltaics including crystalline, amorphous, multi-crystalline, and thin film solar cells. An overview of other types of photovoltaic cells including multi-junction III-V, CdTe, CuInSe2, and organics will also be given. A discussion of radiometric and spectral properties of solar illumination will be presented and the impact of these factors on solar cell design will be explored. Techniques for increasing the performance of solar cells by light trapping, photon recycling, and anti-reflection coatings will be covered. The design and operation of imaging and non-imaging concentrators will also be discussed. Basic experiments related to PV cell measurements and the optical properties of concentrators are also planned for the course. Graduate-level requirements include a research report on a topic selected from the course material.

This course provides an overview of astronomical optical systems and techniques for the observation of exoplanets. It introduces astronomical and optical concepts related to exoplanets observations. By focusing on a particularly challenging observational problem of modern astronomy, the course will teach design and analysis of ultra high precision optical systems and measurement techniques, including spectroscopy, photometry, optical metrology and interferometry. Graduate- level requirements include a 45 minute final oral examination.

Fundamentals of optical system layout and design; exact and paraxial ray tracing; aberration theory; chromatic and monochromatic aberrations; use of computer programs in lens design.

Advanced first-order tools, chromatic aberrations, monochromatic aberrations, sources of aberration, computation, simple systems.

This course will cover the interaction of light with biological material. A particular focus will be the use of photonics in medical diagnostics. The course will include introductory biological concepts such as DNA, proteins, cells, and tissues. In addition, the course will teach the principles and applications of bioimaging, spectroscopy, and biosensors, as well as summarize recently published progress in the field.

Optical materials, principles of opto-mechanical design, lens and mirror mounting, tolerancing, specification of optical components. Graduate-level requirements include independent projects.

Current topics in drug discovery and molecular imaging involve the integration of a series of research modalities. The pharmaceutical Industry uses these modalities in their developmental and regulatory efforts to attain new indications. As well, the medical device community is continually developing new techniques to enhance medical imaging for the earliest detection of disease. Furthermore, kinetic ADME studies (absorbtion, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) are required so as to determine the fate of these agents as an indicator of efficacy and toxicity.

Principles that were taught in OPTI 421/521 (Introductory Optomechanical Engineering) will be applied to develop designs and to perform detailed analysis of optomechanical systems. Graduate-level requirements include independent projects.

This class provides opportunities for students to learn practical engineering skills for developing optical systems. Students will work in groups on case studies that provide the opportunity to learn systems engineering skills firsthand. Some of the case studies will look at just the necessary requirements, others will include more detailed design, and two or more will be built by the students using off the shelf optics and mechanics. Some examples of optical applications that may be covered are imaging, spectroscopy, illumination, adaptive optics, communication, detection and metrology. These systems will be used to teach fundamentals of systems engineering, optical system design, quantifying performance for optical systems, debugging hardware and professional engineering skills. Graduate-level requirements include more assignments. Their role in the groups will be highly substantive in comparison to undergraduate student group student roles.

This course describes the nature of holographic and lithographically formed diffraction gratings and the tools necessary for their design and analysis. Course topics include a description of the interference and Fourier relations that determine the amplitude of diffracted fields, analysis of volume gratings, properties of holographic recording materials, computer generated holograms, binary gratings, analysis of applications of holography including data storage, imaging systems, photovoltaic energy systems, polarization control elements, and associative memories. We will also have a number of lab demonstrations fabricating holograms in a new type of photopolymer.

Physics of optical communication components and applications to communication systems. Topics include fiber attenuation and dispersion, laser modulation, photo detection and noise, receiver design, bit error rate calculations, and coherent communications. Graduate-level requirements include additional homework and a term paper.

Topics to be selected from opto-electronics, wave guides, non-linear optics, nano-materials and semiconductor materials

This course provides an introduction to the general field of image science. The course provides both an overview of the many application domains of imaging in the physical and biological sciences including biological imaging, astronomy, remote sensing, metrology, and industrial inspection and an in-depth review of the applications of medical imaging. The course is intended for graduate students interested in or working in any area of imaging.

Overview of basic physical principles and specific devices of use in imaging systems. Sources of light and other radiation, propagation of radiant energy, interaction of light and matter, photocathodes and photoelectronic imaging devices, semiconductor physics and devices. The course is intended for graduate students interested in any area of imaging.

This course covers the process of technology development in the photonics industry, both from the perspective of formal processes and case studies. Key aspects of the commercialization process including intellectual property, new product development processes, technical marketing and team building are treated in an interactive program informed by the instructor's 15 years of industry experience in both large corporate R&D organizations and entrepreneurial startups. Graduate-level requirements include completing an executive summary of their business plan/invention disclosure project that is a portion of the Group Gate 2 presentation grade.grade.

Introduction to physical principals of laser operation, including: semiclassical laser theory, optical resonators, Gaussian beam propagation, rate equations and population inversion, 3-level and 4-level laser systems, threshold conditions for CW lasing, steady-state and transient dynamics of laser oscillation.

This course will cover a brief overview of different laser systems (solid-state and fiber lasers, gas lasers, semiconductor lasers) and select applications. Characterization of laser performance will include noise in laser systems and its measurement, laser coherence and quantum-limited laser linewidth. The course will cover basics of laser stabilization including frequency discriminators and active feedback through the use of phase, frequency, and amplitude modulation. Advanced applications will include linear and nonlinear spectroscopy, laser cooling and trapping, and optical atomic clocks.

Fundamentals of ultrashort pulse generation and measurement. This course covers topics from the master equations for active and passive mode-locking and Q-switching to practical laser cavity designs for ultrashort pulse generation. Topics include pulse propagation in linear and nonlinear systems, including material dispersion and dispersion compensation optics, and an introduction to nonlinear optics and related phenomena. Common laser systems used for ultrashort pulse generation will be reviewed along with topical applications including femtosecond frequency combs and high-harmonic generation.

Foundations of quantum optics, interaction of two-level atoms with light; basic elements of laser theory; fundamental consequences of the quantization of the light field; introduction to modern topics in quantum optics.

Wave equations for propagation in dielectric media, solutions using the beam propagation method based on spectral (Fourier, Hankel transforms) and finite difference methods, with emphasis on thorough understanding of both the underlying physics and numerical simulation principles.

Introduction to the experiments and theoretical concepts of atom optics and matter-wave optics. In atom and matter-wave optics, the wave-like properties of matter are utilized for the manipulation and control of matter (often by laser light), and are centrally important for an understanding of physics at the atomic level and for modern quantum optics applications. This course will introduce some new concepts, but will primarily cover foundational and groundbreaking atom-optics ideas and experimental results.

This course concentrates on theory, modeling, and simulation of light-matter interactions in extremely nonlinear regimes. The material is organized into a series of case studies, each consisting of a theoretical introduction, overview of models and corresponding numerical methods, computer-aided modeling practice sessions, and overview of open problems. Topics covered are selected to give the students a) the overview of modern nonlinear optics including its applications in strong-field science, b) hands-on experience with numerical modeling, and c) opportunity to gain skills needed to build light-matter interaction models applicable in various contexts. The course starts with an in-depth discussion of different approaches to numerical simulation of ultrashort-duration optical pulses. Next, third-order interactions in solids and gases, including Kerr effect, Raman effect and molecular orientation response are discussed with the emphasis on the numerical modeling and simulation practice. Second-order nonlinear interactions are covered with emphasis on solid-state media (crystals and polycrystalline). Section dealing with the strong-field physics concentrates on ionization in gaseous media, and includes a discussion of various approaches from quantum-level to phenomenological.

Enables students to use advanced optical waveguide analysis with knowledge of physics of nonlinear optics to understand, design and test nonlinear photonics devices. Balances treatment of advanced topics in optical waveguide theory. Introduces nonlinear optics, with emphasis being placed on technologically significant nonlinear photonics phenomena and devices.

The purpose of this course is to introduce the basic remote sensing techniques and their applications to the atmosphere, hydrology and other fields. This includes understanding the basic concepts of radiation transfer, passive and active remote sensing, satellite and ground-based remote sensing and their retrieval techniques. Finally, inversion techniques in remote sensing will be briefly introduced and the uncertainties/errors of the retrieved cloud and precipitation properties will be estimated.

Graduate students will do some homework, but primarily work on processing and analyzing the aircraft, ground-based and satellite remote sensing data collected from instructors research projects. Graduate students will get hands-on experience by doing these projects using IDL, MATLAB, FORTRAN, or other programs. For some projects, I may provide key codes as a reference.

Computational imaging consists of joint design of measurement strategy and estimation algorithms for image formation from radiation fields. This course reviews principles of forward model and inversion algorithms for computational imaging and analyzes imaging systems for geometric, wave and statistical radiation field models. Forward models, consisting of discrete representations of continuous image and measurement spaces, are fundamental to computational imaging. The course reviews how to form and evaluate such models. Since convolutional neural networks are the most important tool in modern inverse models, their use and application in concert with linear and regularized regression is explored. Coded aperture and structured illumination systems are considered for X-ray imaging, phase retrieval, and decompressive estimation are discussed for wave fields and multiaperture and multiframe estimation strategies are discussed for statistical fields.

Computational imaging consists of joint design of measurement strategy and estimation algorithms. Tomography, consisting of estimation of multidimensional objects from lower dimensional measurements, is the core challenge. This course reviews principles of forward model and inversion algorithms for computational imaging and analyzes imaging systems for geometric and coherent wave field models. Forward models, consisting of discrete representations of continuous image and measurement spaces, are fundamental to computational imaging. The course reviews how to form and evaluate such models. Image estimation combines linear regression and artificial neural networks. Convolutional networks, neural representations and transformer networks are reviewed. Coded aperture and structured illumination systems are considered for x-ray imaging, phase retrieval, holography and wave front sensing are considered for wave imaging.

Laser engineering is a broad and interdisciplinary field that encompasses atomic and molecular physics, electromagnetism, nonlinear optics, mechanical design, thermodynamics, software, as well as economic and legal aspects. It is a very dynamic and rapidly evolving field that has been on the cutting edge of science and technology since the first operational laser was demonstrated in 1960 and continues to be such to this day. This one-semester, graduate-level course covers basic and applied aspects involved in the operation, design, characterization, and applications of lasers and laser systems. The course provides the students with practically applicable information essential for the educated use and design of various types of lasers in the laboratory and industrial settings. The course will self-consistently introduce the basic notation and principles involved in the operation of the laser and in the properties and characterization of radiation it generates. Different modes of laser operation will be covered, including continuous-wave, Q-switched, and mode-locked regimes. Various specific laser systems will be discussed including gas lasers, diode lasers, solid-state lasers, fiber lasers, as well as large-scale installation such as the National Ignition Facility in the US and the Extreme Light Infrastructure in Europe.

This course will introduce the field of quantum nanophotonics: how to implement quantum technology and quantum information processing based on integrated photonic circuits. Different nanophotonic devices for quantum light control will be introduced. The methods to generate quantum states of light, manipulate light at quantum level with different degrees of freedoms, and detect quantum states of light with various approaches will be covered. Major achievements and future challenges in the field will be discussed. This course aims to provide basic knowledge about quantum nanophotonics from experiment prospective to students from broad backgrounds including quantum/classical photonics, quantum information theory, atomic physics, etc.

This course will cover the interaction of light with nano-scale features on objects. Ways to focus light and image objects beyond the diffraction limit will be presented. The course will include mathematical foundations, including those of plasmonics and metamaterials, as well as a review of applications of nanophotonics and recently-published progress in the field.

The objective of this course is to introduce optical spectroscopy methods that widely used in physics, chemistry and biological sciences, provide knowledge for estimating applicability ranges of various methods, and teach basics of planning and designing spectroscopy instruments. Graduate requirements include an oral presentation during the last week of class on the topic of the term paper.

The course aims to teach entry to intermediate level software development skills in the LabVIEW programming environment.

LabVIEW is a graphic programming environment that specializes in software development for measurement and control instruments. It is widely used in science and industrial research labs for designing and testing systems.

Graduate student will have additional components on homework, including: code readability, program architecture, and the quality of user interface.

This is a one-semester course designed to provide students with a solid understanding of quantum mechanics formalism, techniques, and important example problems. With this background, students will be prepared for subsequent in-depth studies in optical physics, quantum optics, relativistic quantum mechanics and other advanced quantum mechanics topics, condensed matter physics, laser physics, and semiconductor physics and optics. The course emphasizes a formal mathematical treatment of quantum mechanics, and is therefore intended for students who have already completed at least a one-semester course in quantum mechanics where the basic concepts, symbols, and mathematical approaches have been introduced.

This course will introduce students to using computers for solving quantum mechanics and optical physics problems of relevance to optical physics. This computation lab course consists of weekly 1-hour lectures and weekly assignments to be completed independently by students and turned in for credit. The computational projects include topics that are discussed in OPTI 570, and topics that build from those covered in OPTI 570. The course is designed to be taken by students after completion of OPTI 570, rather than concurrently with OPTI 570.

This course is designed to give graduate students an introduction to how to design, make, and use quantum photonic integrated circuits.

Experimental techniques to generate, analyze and detect photons from X-ray to infrared; interpretation of spectra from gases, liquids, solids and biological macromolecules; light scattering, polarization. Graduate-level requirements include homework problem assignments at an advanced level.

This course examines the use of physical optics modeling software to analyze systems not well modelled by exact raytracing code. Specifically, the course will focus on modern AR/VR which combine waveguides, gratings, and holograms to introduce images into the eye. Physical optics modeling software, VirtualLab Fusion, will be used to analyze these more complex systems to provide the student a background in both this class of software, as well as AR/VR systems.

Thin film optics are critical to a broad range of applications ranging from eye wear to lasers to lithography. The course will cover the optical properties of thin films, design of multilayer optical coatings, accurate calculation methods, physical mechanisms used for the growth of thin films, and critical optics and photonics applications of thin film coatings.

Where do new medical devices and therapeutic systems come from? In this course students will learn how one Innovates in the medical arena and how you take a concept of potential practical value and make it real. All the critical steps in medical innovation will be discussed. Graduate-level requirements include graduate students serving as team leaders.

Polarized light and the Poincare sphere. Polarization in natural scenes and animal vision. Polarization elements: polarizers, retarders, and depolarizers. Jones and Mueller polarization calculus. Polarimetry: measuring the polarization properties of optical elements and materials. Polarization modulators and controllers. Polarization dependent loss and polarization mode dispersion in fiber optics. Advanced polarization issues in optical devices and systems.

Fields: Illumination, Nonimaging, and Concentrators; Sources: Incandescent, Fluorescent, LED, HID, Modeling, and Experimental Measurement; Modeling: Ray Tracing, Radiometry and Photometry, Color, Polarization, and Scattering; Theory: Radiometry, Photometry, Étendue, Skew Invariant, and Concentration; Design Methods: Edge Ray, Flow Line, Tailored Edge Ray, Non-Edge Ray, and Imaging; Optics: Reflectors, Lightpipes, Couplers, Films, and Hybrids; Applications: Displays, Automotive, Solar, Sources, and Lighting; Special Topics: Software Modeling, Optimization, Tolerancing, and Rendering. Graduate-level requirements include decidedly more involved project than that for undergraduates. Additionally, the final design review requirements are more extensive.

Polarization in Optical Design (OPTI 586). Begins with quantitative descriptions of coherent polarization states and linear light-matter interactions using Jones calculus. Polarization properties and common polarization elements are identified using a physical interpretation of Jones matrix eigenanalysis. A polarization ray tracing formalism is introduced as an extension of conventional 2D Jones calculus into 3D. A special case of a unitary operator is used to track the transverse plane rotations through refraction and reflection at interfaces of an optical system. Geometric optics principles of wavefront aberrations are generalized to a Jones pupil and a polarization-dependent point spread function. Polarization aberrations from geometric effects, such as those found in corner cube retroreflectors, are differentiated from Fresnel aberrations. In a final project, students perform a polarization ray trace of multi-surface optical designs to quantify polarization aberrations. In a final report, students discuss the engineering trade-offs of common mitigation strategies. 

Polarization optical design software principals. Calculation of polarization effects in optical systems; Geometrical optics; Polarization ray tracing. Polarization aberration function. Examples of polarization aberrations.

This course is designed to provide the hands-on experience needed to master the basic concepts and laboratory techniques of optical fiber technology.

The class examines the fundamentals of 2D and 3D display technologies (e.g. human visual system, color and depth perception, color theory and metrology, and state-of-the-art display technologies), display performance evaluation and calibration, and display research frontiers. The class is suited for both graduate and undergraduate students. You are encouraged to talk to the Instructor to find out if this is the right course for you.

Students will explore a variety of methods for communicating with the general public about science and optics in particular. Students are expected to develop and apply the knowledge and skills useful for developing methods for communicating effectively with a wide range of audiences. The primary audience for applying the skills acquired in this course will be communicating with students in the high school setting. Graduate-level requirements include an independent project.

Remote Sensing for the Study of Planet Earth introduces basic and applied remote sensing science as a means to explore the diversity of our planetary environments (biosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere) within the radiometric, spectral, spatial, angular and temporal domains of remote sensing systems. This survey course strikes a balance between theory, applications and hands-on labs and assignments. We explore how you can download, process, analyze and interpret multi-sensor data and integrate online remotely sensed data sources/products into your research of interest.

Discussion of current research topics in Optics by Optical Sciences colloquium speakers.

This course will develop the mathematical theory of noise in optical detection from first principles, with the goal of understanding the fundamental limits of efficiency with which one can extract information encoded in light. We will explore how optical-domain interferometric manipulations of the information bearing light, i.e., prior to the actual detection, and the use of detection-induced electro-optic feedback during the detection process can alter the post-detection noise statistics in a favorable manner, thereby facilitating improved efficiency in information extraction. Throughout the course, we will evaluate applications of such novel optical detection methods in optical communications and sensing, and compare their performance with those with conventional ways of detecting light. We will also compare the performance of these novel detection methods to the best performance achievable---in the given problem context---as governed by the laws of (quantum) physics, without showing explicit derivations of those fundamental quantum limits. The primary goal behind this course is to equip students (as well as interested postdocs and faculty) coming from a broad background who are considering taking on theoretical or experimental research in quantum enhanced photonic information processing, with intuitions on a deeper way to think of optical detection, and to develop an appreciation of: (1) the value of a full quantum treatment of light to find fundamental limits of encoding information in the photon, and (2) how pre-detection manipulation of the information-bearing light can help dispose it information favorably with respect to the inevitable detection noise.

This Special Topics course is designed to provide a flexible topics course across several domains in the fields of Optical Sciences. The course opens the possibility to offer a variety of subjects that enhance the curriculum as a response to current issues and trending topics in the field of Optical Sciences.

Experience with various techniques to produce optical surfaces--a sphere, a flat, or a paraboloid. These surfaces can be used as the mail components of a simple telescope of four inches aperture. The emphasis of the course is to produce actual elements be applying abstract optical concepts.

This class will review principles and procedures of technical communication, including written reports, journal articles, theses/dissertations, poster presentations, oral presentations, resumes/CVs, abstracts, funding proposals, and elevator pitches. Elements of basic grammar, style, and organization will be emphasized.

Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work. Graduate students doing independent work which cannot be classified as actual research will register for credit under course number 599, 699, or 799.

Starting from the ray optical treatment of first-order optical systems this class develops the ideas and approaches underpinning the properties of laser beam propagation and its application to optical resonators. Topics range from ABCD ray transfer matrices, classification and stability of optical resonators, to the properties of a variety of common optical resonators. The goal of the class is to provide the students with the skills to analyze basic laser beam propagation and resonator properties.

This course (1st in a two-module series) will introduce the field of cavity optomechanics. Early lessons will review mechanical resonators, optical cavities, and their coupling via radiation pressure. Detailed treatment will then be given to the canonical optomechanical system, a Fabry-Pérot cavity with a compliant end-mirror, leading to the concepts of radiation pressure dynamical back-action (optical stiffening and damping), stochastic back-action (radiation pressure shot noise), and the standard quantum limit for a continuous position measurement.

This course (2nd in a two-module series) will explore contemporary topics in the field of cavity optomechanics. Early lectures will survey paradigmatic experimental systems such as gravitational wave detectors, optomechanical crystals, levitated nanoparticles, and superconducting LC circuits. Recent milestones in the field of cavity "quantum" optomechanics will then be studied, including ground-state cooling of a micromechanical oscillator, observation of radiation pressure shot noise, ponderomotive light usqueezing, and optomechanical entanglement. Finally, emerging applications such as ultra-sensitive accelerometry, quantum-noise-calibrated thermometry, and quantum-coherent electro-optic conversion will be discussed.

This courses provides the background, theory, and practice of how to design, analyze, and test high performance infrared imaging systems. The course is presented in three sections. The first section provides a brief review of the basic mathematics, radiometry, and diffraction theory needed to be successful in imaging system performance calculations. The second section includes a detailed look at all the components that make up an electro-optical or infrared imaging system to include targets, atmospherics, optics, detectors, electronics, signal and image processing, displays and the human visual system. The student is taught how to calculate the component resolution (modulation transfer function) and sensitivity for each of the components. Modulation Transfer Functions and optical throughput along with signal-to-noise is determined for each imaging system component. The student is taught how to determine whether a system is turbulence-limited, detector-limited, diffraction or aberration-limited, display-limited, or human vision system limited. The third section teaches the student how to combine all the component transfer functions and throughput (with infrared radiation) to determine the imaging system contrast threshold function. This system CTF is used in the design of imaging systems to accomplish some object discrimination task (e.g., detection, recognition, or identification). System theory, laboratory performance, and field performance are covered. These concepts apply to both infrared and electro-optical imaging system performance.

Fundamentals of optical design methods and discussions of commonly used optical systems. Covers principles, design methods, and design examples for each system. Students will design one complete optical system.

[Taught alternate years beginning Fall 2004]. This course covers the basic optical principles, techniques, and instruments used in biomedical research and clinical medicine. It includes in-depth coverage of optical imaging and spectroscopy systems for biomedical research and clinical diagnosis, details of light interaction with tissue, and advanced optical therapeutic instruments and techniques. The course describes commercial devices and instruments as well as new devices and instruments under development for novel applications. This course is intended for advanced graduate students in optical sciences or engineering with a suitable background in optics and imaging.

Development of mathematical tools for describing stochastic processes in single optical detectors and complex imaging systems; understanding the effect of image processing and reconstruction algorithms on image noise; development of a quantitative approach to assessing and optimizing image quality.

Mathematical description of imaging systems and noise; introduction to inverse problems; introduction to statistical decision theory; prior information; image reconstruction and radon transform; image quality; applications in medical imaging; other imaging systems.

The course covers the foundations of quantum information and selected topics in quantum communication and quantum components, including physical implementations.

This course is for students who intend to partake theoretical or experimental research in any area of photonic quantum information processing, such as quantum communications, sensing and computation. The course will be aimed at developing a principled understanding of classical and non-classical light, and the generation, manipulation and detection of non-classical light. As application of material learnt in the course, examples will be drawn from important applications of photonic quantum information processing, such as linear optical quantum computing, quantum repeaters for entanglement distribution, and quantum sensing.

This course provides a strong foundation in continuous-variable quantum information, utilizing the recently established Gaussian Quantum Information formalism. It examines the two main approaches in quantum information science. The first, discrete-variable, involves defining qubits from discrete quantum states, while the second, continuous-variable, uses observables with continuous quantities. Historically, quantum computation relied on discrete-variable quantum information, but recent developments have shifted focus to continuous-variable quantum information using boson fields like photons and phonons. This new paradigm is facilitated by existing photonic devices such as amplitude and phase modulators, and homodyne detectors. The course explores photonic fields through second quantization, emphasizing Gaussian quantum information, which impacts areas like computation, communication, sensing, and quantum machine learning.

Theory of atmospheric radiative transfer processes; specific methods for solving the relevant equations; applications to problems in radiative transfer; theoretical basis for remote sensing from the ground and from space; solutions to the "inverse" problem.

Graduate students learn how to teach a course and mentor undergraduate and graduate students in the College's outreach course (OPTI 489/589). Up to two students learn how to design lectures, lead lectures, develop assignments, lead class demonstrations, and work with course instructor technology (e.g., D2L), and how to assess their instruction and course learning outcomes. The students meet with the OPTI x89 instructors weekly to talk about the previous lecture, the upcoming lecture, and the logistics and administration of the outreach course. This course provides the opportunity for interested students to learn more about effective teaching methods, determine if they like teaching at the college level, how to prepare lectures, and how to assess course instruction.

Introduction to the design process; use of computers in design; definition of design parameters; ray tracing methods; review of Gaussian Optics layout of lens systems.

This course is designed to aid PhD students in their search and selection of a research area and research advisor by incorporating research activities into the first year of the Optical Sciences PhD program. In this course, students select a faculty advisor who will supervise a research project and assign a grade at the end of the semester based on student performance in the course. For their research project, students may select from various options, including (but not limited to): assisting with an ongoing research project, creating and working on their own research project under their supervisor's guidance or the guidance of another mentor such as a more senior graduate student, choosing rotations through multiple research groups (in which case multiple single-credit research courses with different supervisors might be taken in a single semester), or theoretical or computational investigation into fundamental aspects of science and engineering that underlie specific research areas or specific projects.

Individual research, not related to thesis or dissertation preparation, by graduate students.

Individual study or special project or formal report thereof submitted in lieu of thesis for certain master's degrees.

Research for the master's thesis (whether library research, laboratory or field observation or research, artistic creation, or thesis writing). Maximum total credit permitted varies with the major department.

Research for the doctoral dissertation (whether library research, laboratory or field observation or research, artistic creation, or dissertation writing).