From the "Science Cases" to the optical project; theory of optical propagation; use of the Zemax optical design program; analysis of optical projects out of the visible and infrared spectral ranges; optimization procedures; Multiple configurations; Tolerance analysis; Concept of finite element analysis for the study of mechanical stresses of optical elements; project management techniques: roles, tasks, skills of a work team.
Fundamental of Optics – Jenkins & White
Lens Design – Milton
Introduction to Lens Design with Zemax – J.M.Geary
Handbook of optical Design – D.Malacara
Optics – E.Hecht
Learning Objectives
The course aims to train, within the degree course in physics, astrophysics, chemistry or engineering, people able to design optical instruments operating from THz up to X-UV taking into account the limitations imposed by materials, environmental conditions in which they will go to work, from the timing and implementation procedures.
Prerequisites
Beyond the usual knowledge of any degree course in physics, astrophysics or engineering, knowledge of geometry optics and aberration theory is required
Teaching Methods
The course will use as well as the usual teaching tools and moreover the use of 10 Zemax licenses that can be used by students on any Windows 7 PC or later
Further information
Modern scientific instruments are increasingly complex and their implementation is consequently increasingly and make use of multidisciplinary activities and international working groups. The skills necessary for their implementation are ever more extensive and specific: in this context I think it is necessary the presence of specially trained people. Starting from the scientific needs of the moment, it is necessary, using modern scientific tools designing, to design the appropriate optical instruments necessary to fulfill the aims. Optical design is the basis of observational tools for astrophysics and is increasingly in demand in many other disciplines, from applied sciences to basic research, to industry. The University of Florence operates in a territory that has always had a great vocation in the field of optics and it seems therefore appropriate to turn on a course that has its main heart on these subjects. The training of qualified personnel in optical design is not only useful to our territory, but to Italian research in general and INAF in particular: currently the skills of the sector, however large, were formed almost by accident, often in a self-study. I think it is appropriate to give the opportunity to students to know this discipline and learn the basics. This specific training, included in a degree course in physics, astrophysics or engineering, will give students the opportunity to be attractive to research institutions, italian in the lead, as well as international companies or research institus.
Type of Assessment
The verification will consist in the realization of a project to be presented in writing concerning the realization of an agreed optical project, making use of Zemax or other IT tools. An oral presentation of the work will be required during which the skills acquired will be verified.
Course program
“Science Cases” analysis and study of the critical points of the optical instrumentation that will be used to study them;
theory of propagation of light;
how the optical design software work: dispersion, material definition. An introduction to optical design software called “Zemax”;
Study of some principal optical designs, sequential and non sequential;
Study of some optical design in the visible and infrared wavelength:
Optimization procedure of an optical design;
Multiple configuration, 3D system design and image simulation;
Analysis of the optical design tolerances;
How to use the optical design into a 3D mechanical design software (like AutoDesk Inventor);
Introduction to Zemax Programming Language (ZPL);
An introduction to Finite Element Analysis to simulate mechanical and thermal stress of real optical components (lessons by Dott. Ciro del Vecchio)
Introduction to project management (person roles, key people of a team).