Learning Outcomes

Introduction to Optical Engineering

Geometric Optics Basics

Refraction at a Single Surface

Introduction to OSLO

Lesson Summary

This module will introduce you to the evolution and the history of optical engineering. You will learn how light travels in a homogeneous medium as well as the position of Fermat's theorem on the light. You will also learn about the functions of optical software for layout and optimization (OSLO).

Stops and Rays

Aperture Stop

Aperture Stop: Vignetting

OSLO: Ray Tracing

This module will introduce you to the concept of aperture stops in optical engineering. You will learn about the Newtonian form of the lens equation, how to calculate aperture stops, as well as the concept of vignetting in aperture stop as the amount of lighting that reaches the extremities of objects.

Tracing Rays Through Optical Pupils

Tracing Rays Through Optical Pupils: Numerical Aperture

Ray Tracing Matrix

Ray Tracing Matrix: Reflection of a Mirror

Principal Planes

OSLO: Points of Interest

In this module, you will be introduced to the different matrices for ray tracing as well as the meaning of principal planes. You will learn how to calculate principal plane distances. You will also learn about the six points of interest in a thick lens system.

Imaging Equation for Thick Lens Using ABCD Matrix

Aberrations

Monochromatic Aberrations

Monochromatic Aberrations: Astigmatism

OSLO: Aberrations

In this module, you will be introduced to how to trace the chief ray as well as the marginal ray through optical pupils in optical systems. You will learn about the types of aberration, and how to test your knowledge of spherical aberration using the optics software for layout and optimization (OSLO).

Chromatic Aberrations and Aberration Correction

Aberration Correction

Revisiting Ray Intercept Curves

OSLO: Optimising Aberration

Interesting Geometric Phenomena and Applications

In this module, you will be introduced to the components of chromatic aberration along with the different ways to correct them. You will learn about optimizing aberration using optics software for layout and optimization (OSLO), as well as the function of ray intercept curves in optical systems.

Gaussian Beams: Introduction

Properties of Gaussian Beams

Coordinates in OSLO

In this module, you will be introduced to the concept as well as the function of Gaussian beams in optical systems. You will learn that the Gaussian beam does not have a constant divergence, as well as how to measure a distance from the current surface to the next surface through the optics software for layout and optimization (OSLO).

Diploma in Optical Engineering - First Assessment

Transformation of a Gaussian Beam

Lens and Mirror Transformation of a Gaussian Beam

Application of a Gaussian Beam

In this module, you will be introduced to the different ways of transforming the Gaussian beams in optical systems. You will learn about the properties of Gaussian beams, the imaging equation as well as the application of the Gaussian beam equations in optical systems.

Introduction to Interferometry Basics

Interferometry Basics

Interferometry Basics: Use of Interference

Application of Interference

This module will introduce you to the phenomenon of interference in optical engineering. You will learn about the components of coherence, the importance of constructive interference for wavelength in optical engineering, and the application of interference in optical engineering.

Holography

Applications of Interference - Holography

Applications of Optical Engineering

This module will introduce you to the concept of holographic interferometry. You will learn about the laser interferometry gravitational-wave observatory, the basic layout of the optics of a compact disc (CD) player, as well as the context of the Nyquist sampling theorem.

Introduction to Python

Python

Interference in Python

Introduction to MATLAB

MATLAB Tutorial on Interference

This module discusses the fundamentals of the Python programming language along with how to model interference simulation in Python. You will learn about the programming style in MATLAB as well as how MATLAB interprets variables in optical engineering.

Diffractive Optics

Diffraction Grating

This module will introduce you to how diffractive optics affects optical systems. You will learn about the meaning as well as the causes of diffraction, amplitude grating in optical systems as basic diffractive elements, as well as the relationship between duty circle and efficiency.

Diploma in Optical Engineering - Second Assessment

Diploma in Optical Engineering - Course Assessment

Learn about the functions of a Gaussian beam in optical systems and ray-tracing techniques from this free course.

Diploma in Optical Engineering

This free online course on optical engineering provides a comprehensive guide on the functions of Gaussian beams in optical systems. Learn how to design lenses and mirrors to carry out different functions, how to calculate the distances for principal planes in optical systems, how to identify aberrations in a system, and the components of coherence as a condition of interference.

Introduction to Optical Engineering - Course assessment

Sharpen your optical engineering skills and learn about optical design and optical systems with this free online course.

The field of Optical Engineering has been studied for centuries and this free online Introduction to Optical Engineering course provides a comprehensive guide on the components of optical design software known as optics software for layout and optimization (OSLO). What exactly is a Gaussian beam, interference and diffraction? Learn this and more with this free online engineering qualification.

Ray Tracing Matrix and Principal Planes in Optical Engineering - Course Assessment

Learn all about optical engineering and the fundamentals of the ray tracing matrix and principal planes.

Fundamentals of Ray Tracing Matrix and Principal Planes in Optical Engineering

There are various ways in which ray tracing can occur and this free online course in Fundamentals of Ray Tracing Matrix and Principal Planes in optical engineering provides a comprehensive guide on the different techniques of ray tracing. Learn the meaning of principal planes in optical systems, how to calculate principal planes distances in optical systems, as well as the six points of interest in thick and thin lens systems.

White-Labeling in Online Education: Whose Credential Is It Anyway?

Black Friday 2024: 50+ Online Learning Deals

OpenAI Academy Review: A Close Look at ChatGPT 101 for Small Businesses

6 Best Penetration Testing Courses in 2025

[2025] 2000+ Free SWAYAM + NPTEL Courses

30 Hours of MATLAB Courses with Free Certificate

Open edX Conference 2026: Program, Workshops & Registration

Udacity’s 2021: Year in Review

2022 Year in Review: The “New Normal” that Wasn’t

Coursera’s New Deal with Google Could Cost the Company Millions

12 Best JavaScript Courses for 2025: Create Interactive Websites

9 Best TensorFlow Courses for 2025

11 Best Applied AI & ML Courses for 2025

7 Best Reverse Engineering Courses for 2025

9 Best Quilting Courses for 2026: Turn Fabric Scraps Into Heirlooms

The Series Finale of Online Education: Coursera Acquires Udemy