615.780.81 - Optical Detectors & Applications

Course Structure

The course materials are divided into modules which can be accessed by clicking Course Modules on the left menu. A module will have several sections including the overview, content, readings, discussions, and assignments. You are encouraged to preview all sections of the module before starting. Each module runs for a period of seven (7) days, and most modules will incorporate a short quiz covering the material in that module. Problem sets will be assigned after each module that must be completed prior to the start of the next module. You may find it easiest to complete the problem sets with paper and pencil, then scan your work in order to submit it via the Blackboard assignment tool. Two exams will be given; a midterm exam and a comprehensive final exam. References for reading material are provided for each module, and you should study this material as you find helpful. You should regularly check the Calendar and Announcements for assignment due dates. Participation in the Blackboard Discussion Forum is periodically required, but regular participation throughout the course is recommended.

Course Topics

• Introduction to Optical Radiation and Illumination Sources
• Statistics and Noise Applied to Optical Detectors
• Solid State Physics and Photodiode Detectors
• Electronics and Noise with Semiconductor Photodiodes
• Optics and Radiometry
• Infrared Detector Materials
• MOS Capacitor and the Charge-Coupled Device
• The CCD in a Camera and a Specific CCD in Detail
• CMOS Detector Arrays
• Infrared Detectors
• Microbolometer Arrays and Thermal Imaging
• The Photomultiplier Tube (PMT) and Secondary Electron Multiplier (SEM)
• Color and Multispectral Imaging
• Spectrometry and Imaging Spectrometry

Course Goals

This course is designed to provide the student with sufficient knowledge and analysis tools to select and use suitable devices for the detection of optical radiation for a known application. Sufficient background will be given to understand the physical mechanisms involved in different types of detectors, as well as detailed examination of specific devices so that knowledge can be used for the design of new systems with similar devices.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• Identify the basic physics and fundamental characteristics of optical radiation detectors
• Apply basic knowledge of optics and radiometry to perform sensitivity calculations and figures of merit such as Signal-to-Noise ratios
• Use both photon rate and optical power systems in radiometric analysis
• Evaluate different semiconductor materials
• Examine specific examples of advanced detectors including CCDs, microbolometer arrays, and large area IR detector arrays
• Evaluate tradeoffs between single element, line array, and area array detectors
• Identify typical applications that use optical radiation detectors in complex space instruments

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks for this course.

Recommended

Dereniak, Eustace L. and Crowe, Devon G., (1984). Optical Radiation Detectors. John Wiley & Sons.

ISBN: 0-471-89797-3
ISBN-13:978-0-471-89797-2

Textbook information for this course is available online through the appropriate bookstore website: For online courses, search the MBS website at http://ep.jhu.edu/bookstore.

Other Materials & Online Resources

Useful References

Vincent, John David, et al., (2016). Fundamentals of Infrared and Visible Detector Operation and Testing (2nd ed.), John Wiley & Sons.

ISBN: 978-1-118-09488-4

Franco, Sergio, (2002), Design with Operational Amplifiers and Analog Integrated Circuits (3rd ed.), McGraw-Hill

ISBN: 0-07-232084-2

Glenn F. Knoll, (1989), Radiation Detection & Measurement (2nd ed.), John Wiley & Sons

ISBN: 0-471-81504-7

Wyatt, Clair L., (1987), Radiometric System Design, MacMillan

ISBN: 978-0029488003

Sze, Simon M. andLee, Ming-Kwei, (2013), Semiconductor Devices: Physics & Technology (3rd ed.), John Wiley & Sons

ISBN: 978-0470-53794-7

Sze, S. M., (1981), Physics of Semiconductor Devices (2nd ed.), John Wiley & Sons

ISBN: 0-471-05661-8

Csorba, Illes P., (1985), Image Tubes, Howard W. Sams & Co., Inc

ISBN: 0-672-22023-7

Wolfe, W. L. and Zissis, G.J., (1989), The Infrared Handbook (6th ed.), John Wiley & Sons

ISBN: 0-96035901-X

Boreman, Glenn D., (1998), Basic Electro-Optics for Electrical Engineers, SPIE

ISBN: 0-8194-2806-X

Required Software

Spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel, Google Sheet, or equivalent)

You will need access to spreadsheet program in order to complete assignments involving radiometry and sensitivity calculations.

Student Coursework Requirements

This course will consist of four basic student requirements:

1. Preparation and Participation (Module Discussions) (15% of Final Grade Calculation)
   
   You are responsible for studying the assigned reading material from the course text, and any supplemental material, including the course notes (PowerPoint). You are encouraged to post questions/comments to the discussion board throughout the course; however, you are required to participate in each Video Discussion Thread and comment on the hardware demo videos after Modules 4, 6, 8, and 12. We will be monitoring the discussion board and will respond to questions and comments throughout the week.
   
   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].
   
   

2. Module Quizzes (15% of Final Grade Calculation)
   
   Short quizzes are given after each module to help focus your attention on the material, and in particular, areas in which you may wish to spend extra time studying. The quizzes are to be taken online and may only be taken one time.
   
   The format of the quizzes is largely multiple-choice and quantitative grading will be as follows:
   
   100–90 = A
   
   89–80 = B
   
   79–70=C
   
   <70=F

3. Assignments (35% of Final Grade Calculation)
   
   After each module, problem sets will be assigned and must be scanned and submitted via Blackboard to the instructor prior to the start of the next module. Late assignments will not be accepted. Graded assignments will be returned to you via Blackboard within one week and the solutions will be reviewed the following week during Office Hours.
   
   Assignments are graded as follows:
   
   100–90 = A—Effort and completeness [substantial thought put into each problem, and sufficient work shown to justify the answer]; Accuracy [correct answer]; Neatness/legibility [solutions easy to read and arguments easy to follow. Any plots/figures thoroughly labeled.]
   
   89–80 = B— Effort and completeness [substantial thought put into each problem, and sufficient work shown to justify the answer]; Accuracy [minor algebraic mistake leads to wrong answer, but approach correct]; Neatness/legibility [solutions easy to read and arguments logically ordered; plots/figures mostly labeled]
   
   79–70 = C— Effort and completeness [problem not fully addressed or parts of solutions not attempted]; Accuracy [significant mistakes in logic or algebra]; Neatness/legibility [solutions cannot be followed; plots/figures missing or not labeled]
   
   

4. Exam[s] (35% of Final Grade Calculation, 15% Midterm and 20% for Final)
   
   A midterm exam will be distributed after Module 7 and the final exam will be available after Module 13. You will have seven (7) days to complete the midterm, but fourteen (14) days to complete the final exam. Each exam will be due exactly at midnight, seven days after the release of the midterm, and fourteen days after release of the final. You may use the course text and notes to complete the exams. All work should be independent.
   
   The exams are evaluated by the following grading elements:

1. Completeness and level of effort (30%)
2. Accuracy of solution and work shown (60%)
3. Neatness/legible responses, labeling of any plots and figures (10%)

Grading Policy

Assignments are due according to the dates in the Calendar and Assignments items in the corresponding modules. Typically this means weekly problem sets and completion of the module quizzes. We will post grades one week after assignment due dates.

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.

Note that EP uses a +/- grading system (see “Grading System”, Graduate Programs catalog, p. 10).

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.