525.613.81 - Fourier Techniques in Optics

Course Structure

Course Topics

• Introduction to Fourier Optics
• Analysis of two-dimensional linear systems
• Foundations of scalar diffraction theory
• Fresnel diffraction theory
• Intro to numerical methods, applications to Fresnel diffraction
• Fraunhofer diffraction theory, including numerical methods
• Applications of diffraction theory, diffraction gratings, and diffractive elements
• Wave optics analysis of coherent optical systems
• Frequency analysis of optical systems
• Wavefront modulation methods
• Optical signal processing
• Holography/Optical communications systems
• Atmospheric beam propagation
• Advanced topics

Course Goals

To establish the fundamental background behind using Fourier and linear systems methods for analyzing and designing optical systems.  The fundamental tools developed early in the course will be applied to analysis of the performance of optical elements and optical systems.  The student should understand both the analytical methods of Fourier optics as well as the technologies that utilize Fourier optics techniques.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• Explain how Fourier principles can be used to analyze optical systems.
• Describe the differences between different optical propagation regimes.
• Demonstrate the use of both analytical and numerical methods for analyzing optical systems.
• Evaluate methods of utilizing Fourier optics techniques for applications including information processing, imaging, and sensing.

Textbooks

Required

Goodman, J. W. (2017). Introduction to Fourier Optics (4th ed.). W. H. Freeman

ISBN-10: 1319119166

ISBN-13: 978-1319119164

Optional

Voelz, D. G. (2011).  Computational Fourier Optics:  A MATLAB Tutorial (SPIE Tutorial Texts Vol TT89). Bellingham, WA, SPIE

ISBN-10: 0819482048

ISBN-13: 978-0819482044

This textbook is available in electronic format in the JHU library

Required Software

Mathematics Software

You will need access to a recent version of MATLAB in order to get maximum benefit from the numerical methods lectures.  If you would prefer to use Python/NumPy to do calculations I can run either standard Python scripts or iPython/Jupyter notebooks. 

The following link to the webpages for the tools indicated above:

MATLAB - http://www.mathworks.com/academia/student_version/

Python – https://www.python.org

NumPy – http://www.numpy.org

Student Coursework Requirements

It is expected that each module will take approximately 4–8 hours per week to complete. Here is an approximate breakdown: reading the assigned sections of the texts (approximately 2–3 hours per week) as well as some outside reading, listening to the audio annotated slide presentations (approximately 1–3 hours per week), and assignments (approximately 1–2 hours per week). There will be additional time necessary for completing the research paper; the assignments load will reduce toward the end of the semester to allow you time to finalize your paper and presentation.

This course will consist of four basic student requirements:

1. Preparation and Participation (Module Discussions) (25% of Final Grade Calculation)

Each student is responsible for carefully reading all assigned material and being prepared for discussion. The majority of readings are from the course text. Additional reading may be assigned to supplement text readings.

Post your initial response to the discussion questions by the evening of day 3 for that module week. Posting a response to the discussion question is part one of your grade for module discussions.

Part two of your grade for module discussion is your interaction (i.e., responding to classmate postings with thoughtful responses) with at least two classmates (i.e., Critical Thinking). Just posting your response to a discussion question is not sufficient; we want you to interact with your classmates. Be detailed in your postings and in your responses to your classmates' postings. Feel free to agree or disagree with your classmates. Please ensure that your postings are civil and constructive.

I will monitor module discussions and will respond to some of the discussions as discussions are posted.

Evaluation of preparation and participation is based on contribution to discussions.

Preparation and participation are evaluated by the following grading elements:

1. Timeliness (50%)
2. Critical Thinking (50%)

Preparation and participation are graded as follows:

100–90 = A—Timeliness [regularly participates; all required postings; early in discussion; throughout the discussion]; Critical Thinking [rich in content; full of thoughts, insight, and analysis].

89–80 = B—Timeliness [frequently participates; all required postings; some not in time for others to read and respond]; Critical Thinking [substantial information; thought, insight, and analysis has taken place].

79–70 = C—Timeliness [infrequently participates; all required postings; most at the last minute without allowing for response time]; Critical Thinking [generally competent; information is thin and commonplace].

<70 = F—Timeliness [rarely participates; some, or all required postings missing]; Critical Thinking [rudimentary and superficial; no analysis or insight is displayed].

2. Assignments (25% of Final Grade Calculation)

Assignments will include weekly quantitative problem sets.  Assignments will include a cover sheet with your name and assignment identifier. Also include your name and a page number indicator (i.e., page x of y) on each page of your submissions. Each problem should have the problem statement, assumptions, computations, and conclusions/discussion delineated. All Figures and Tables should be captioned and labeled appropriately.  Preferred method of delivery is PDF, but other graphic formats are fine – e.g. cell phone camera images are OK, just not preferred.

All assignments are due according to the dates in the Calendar.

Late submissions will be reduced by one letter grade for each week late (no exceptions without prior coordination with the instructor).

If, after submitting a written assignment a student is not satisfied with the grade received, the student is encouraged to redo the assignment and resubmit it. If the resubmission results in a better grade, that grade will be substituted for the previous grade.

Assignments are evaluated by the following grading elements:

1. Each part of question is answered (20%)
2. Assumptions are clearly stated (20%)
3. Intermediate derivations and calculations are provided (25%)
4. Answer is technically correct and is clearly indicated (25%)
5. Answer precision and units are appropriate (10%)

Assignments are graded as follows:

100–90 = A—All parts of questions are addressed; All assumptions are clearly stated; All intermediate derivations and calculations are provided; Answer is technically correct and is clearly indicated; Answer precision and units are appropriate.

89–80 = B—All parts of questions are addressed; All assumptions are clearly stated; Some intermediate derivations and calculations are provided; Answer is technically correct and is indicated; Answer precision and units are appropriate.

79–70=C—Most parts of questions are addressed; Assumptions are partially stated; Few intermediate derivations and calculations are provided; Answer is not technically correct but is indicated; Answer precision and units are indicated but inappropriate.

<70=F—Some parts of the questions are addressed; Assumptions are not stated; Intermediate derivations and calculations are not provided; The answer is incorrect or missing; The answer precision and units are inappropriate or missing.

3. Research Paper (20% of Final Grade Calculation)

A research paper will be assigned at the beginning of the session.  A list of potential topics will be provided – however students are strongly encouraged to develop their own topics.  The topic selected by the student will be provided to the instructor no later than the start of the third module for the instructor to review and approve the topic.  The abstract of the paper is due by the beginning of module 5.  The outline for the paper is due by module 10.  The paper is due at module 13.  A presentation of the paper will be done on-line during module 14.  It is expected the student will spend a minimum of 15 minutes presenting their work – maximum is 30 minutes.  The presentation will be open for all class members to review.  The research paper will be a minimum of 15 pages in length, double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins.  There should be no less than 50% analytical content (simulation output, derivations, plots of results) in the paper.  The goal is to do a “deep dive” on a topic of interest to the student, not a review paper.

The research paper is evaluated by the following grading elements:

1. Student technical understanding of the research paper topic.  It is expected that there is at least 50% analytical content in the paper (50%)
2. Readability and clarity – does the paper explain the topic well to the reader (25%)
3. Presentation of the research topic to the class (25%)

Course Project is graded as follows:

100–90 = A—Student has researched the topic well – demonstrates a complete understanding of the material discussed.  Student communicates the topic well to the reader.  Presentation is clear and concise, student answers questions from the class clearly.

89–80 = B—Student has researched the topic well, but does not provide the 50% analytical content.  Student communicates the topic well to the reader.  Presentation is clear and concise, student answers questions from the class clearly.

79–70 = C— Student has researched the topic, but not thoroughly.  Student does not provide the 50% analytical content.  Student communicates the topic well to the reader.  Presentation is clear and concise, student answers questions from the class clearly.

<70 = F— Student has not research researched the topic to any level of detail.  Student does not provide the 50% analytical content.  Student does not communicate the topic well to the reader.  Presentation is incomplete or missing.

4. Exam[s] (30% of Final Grade Calculation, combined from 15% for Midterm and 15% for Final)

The midterm exam will be available in Module 6 and the final exam will be available in Module 13. Students will have one week to complete the exam and they will be due by 5PM exactly one week from their release. Students may use the course text and notes/lectures to complete the exams.

The exams are evaluated by the following grading elements:

1. Each part of question is answered (20%)
2. Assumptions are clearly stated (20%)
3. Intermediate derivations and calculations are provided (25%)
4. Answer is technically correct and is clearly indicated (25%)
5. Answer precision and units are appropriate (10%)

Assignments are graded as follows:

100–90 = A—All parts of questions are addressed; All assumptions are clearly stated; All intermediate derivations and calculations are provided; Answer is technically correct and is clearly indicated; Answer precision and units are appropriate.

89–80 = B—All parts of questions are addressed; All assumptions are clearly stated; Some intermediate derivations and calculations are provided; Answer is technically correct and is indicated; Answer precision and units are appropriate.

79–70=C—Most parts of questions are addressed; Assumptions are partially stated; Few intermediate derivations and calculations are provided; Answer is not technically correct but is indicated; Answer precision and units are indicated but inappropriate.

<70=F—Some parts of the questions are addressed; Assumptions are not stated; Intermediate derivations and calculations are not provided; The answer is incorrect or missing; The answer precision and units are inappropriate or missing.

Grading Policy

Student assignments are due according to the dates in the Calendar and Assignments items in the corresponding modules. Dr. Young will post grades one week after assignment due dates.

We generally do not directly grade spelling and grammar. However, egregious violations of the rules of the English language will be noted without comment. Consistently poor performance in either spelling or grammar is taken as an indication of poor written communication ability that may detract from your grade.

A grade of A indicates achievement of consistent excellence and distinction throughout the course—that is, conspicuous excellence in all aspects of assignments and discussion in every week.

A grade of B indicates work that meets all course requirements on a level appropriate for graduate academic work. These criteria apply to both undergraduates and graduate students taking the course.

100–98 = A+ 97–94 = A 93–90 = A− 89–87 = B+ 86–83 = B 82–80 = B− 79–70 = C <70 = F

Final grades will be determined by the following weighting:

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar (https://ep.jhu.edu/student-services/academic-calendar/). Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course.

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students.

This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. Students with disabilities (including those with psychological conditions, medical conditions and temporary disabilities) can request accommodations for this course by providing an Accommodation Letter issued by Student Disability Services (SDS). Please request accommodations for this course as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements.

For further information or to start the process of requesting accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services at Engineering for Professionals, ep-disability-svcs@jhu.edu.

Student Conduct Code

The fundamental purpose of the JHU regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically. 

For a full description of the code please visit the following website: https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/policies-guidelines/student-code/

Classroom Climate

JHU is committed to creating a classroom environment that values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that all students bring. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Fostering an inclusive climate is important. Research and experience show that students who interact with peers who are different from themselves learn new things and experience tangible educational outcomes. At no time in this learning process should someone be singled out or treated unequally on the basis of any seen or unseen part of their identity. 
 
If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team [EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu] in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.