Optical Engineering outcomes will be: The student will capable of applying wave optics and the principles of optical signal processing to the design and engineering of a variety imaging, metrology, interferometric, and holographic systems. The student will have a practical understanding and ability to design, use and characterise a large range of technologies for a range of applications. These will include free space light beam transport (communication and information transfer through turbulent media), parallel optical signal processing, optical data capture, transport, and storage. The student will be aware of, capable of working with standard optical hardware (e.g. passive components, and acousto-optical systems) and processing software (e.g. phase unwrapping and iterative phase retrieval techniques). Applications in area such as biomedical sensing, chemical bioprocess monitoring, mechanical metrology and civil engineering/architecture (lighting) will be discussed.

Independent learning involving, for example, research level literature and/or attending and reporting on webinars by professional bodies, will be carried out by the students. The object will be to enhance, extend and empower the student learning experience. This will providing them with opportunities to further develop self-responsibility through provision of increased chioice placing them in situation of control. Opportunities for autonomous learning will be provided to encourage the student to create and use knowledge.

LO (1) The student will capable of applying wave optics and the principles of optical signal processing to the design and engineering of photonic platforms for use in imaging, sensing, metrology and holographic systems. The student will be capable of working with the systems and devices used for: free space light beam transport (communication, information transfer), parallel optical signal processing and the characteristics and effects of bio-optimised lighting.
LO (2) The student will be capable of interpreting the results produced by a range of metrology and optical signal processing systems.
LO (3) The student will understand the workings of and application of both analogue imaging and digital (computation) imaging processes.
LO (4) The student will be able to communicate the results of their work in writing: (Written final examination and technical report). Essays involve issues of professionalism and plagiarism; Topics covered include technical issues, financial cost and impact.
LO (5) The student will be able to communicate the results of their work in oral form: (Oral presentation and discussions during tutorials and lectures, involving issues of professionalism and plagiarism; - Topics covered include technical issues, financial costs, and impact).

Linear systems transformations and system invariants. Electromagnetic theory of diffraction. Scalar theory: Fraunhofer/Fresnel propagation regimes, Period structures, e.g. gratings and dispersion. Reflection and Refraction, geometric and wave optics. Fourier Optics. Imaging systems: coherent, incoherent and partially coherent. Aberrations, and imaging system resolution. Applications: Microscopy, metrology and data storage, e.g. confocal CD laser head read/write. The uses and effects of passive homogenous and anisotropic materials.
Interferometry and holography (optical phase matched filters). System geometries (write/read), and electromagnetic models. Photosensitive recording materials holograms and self-forming waveguides. Modelling and characterisation. Applications: Multiplexing elements, optical interconnects, 3D hologram data storage.
Optical Signal Processing, coherent/incoherent complex spatial filters. Joint transform correlators. Fourier, Fresnel, Fractional Fourier and Linear canonical transforms. Collins ABCD transfer matrices (ray matrices), Wigner Distribution Function (space/frequency analysis). Space Bandwidth Product.

Mathematics: Complex numbers and functions, Matrices, Fourier transform (continuous and discrete)
Physics: Conservation of energy, SI unit system
Engineering: linear systems, signal processing (sampling, filtering)
Optics: refraction, reflection, diffraction, interference, magnification,

Electromagnetic waves, geometrical (ray) imaging

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities
• Self-assessment activities

Regular feedback each week on performance (1 lecture a week presentations and discussions