In this course, you will learn the basics of the behavior of light and understand the fascinating and powerful technologies you can create with sophisticated light manipulation techniques.
Topics include: Basics of (1) Ray optics (2) Wave optics (diffraction, interference, coherence) (3) Science of image formation. (4) Lasers (5) Light manipulation methods (6) Putting light to work: Fascinating optical technologies (7) Quantum optics
This will be an interactive course with ample discussions in class. Grading will be based on class participation, project presentations, short write-ups, and in-class quizzes.
Want to see how light, lasers, and optical waves become real biomedical tools? Throughout this course we will conceptually dissect the nuts and bolts of biophotonic technologies, such as super-resolution microscopy, optical biosensors, and optical endoscopy, to make core optical concepts come alive. The course also covers some basics and practical considerations for taking a technology from prototype to real-world use (validation, commercialization etc). You’ll develop engineering skills and intuition in biophotonics while deepening your understanding of the underlying theory.
Prerequisite: Curiosity about the engineering aspects of biomedical and biophotonic technologies and active participation in class. A basic background in electromagnetism (e.g., wave optics, diffraction, interference), ray optics, or engineering is useful but not necessary.