Analyze propagation, reflection, refraction, diffraction, and detection
Physical Sciences & Engineering · Electrical, Sensing & Photonic Systems
OPT-330Photonics & Optical Sensing
Examines light, optical systems, detectors, spectroscopy, imaging, and photonic sensing for scientific and engineering applications.
Course outcomes
What students develop
Design a basic optical sensing system
Evaluate signal, noise, calibration, and safety
Document optical measurements and system performance
Course content
Topics and questions
- Geometric and wave optics
- Sources and detectors
- Spectroscopy and imaging
- Fiber and free-space sensing
- Signal, noise, calibration, and laser safety
Methods & resources
Tools and environments
- Optical bench components
- Light sources and detectors
- Spectrometers and imaging sensors
Evaluation
Demonstration of learning
- Optical design calculations
- Laboratory notebook
- Sensing project
Program relationships
Where this course fits
Core
Applied Physics & Instrumentation
Builds foundations in physics, mathematics, experiment, electronics, optics, sensing, and scientific instrumentation.
Core
Photonics, Measurement & Materials
Advanced work in optical sensing, spectroscopy, imaging, materials characterization, instrumentation, calibration, and analytical systems.
Core
Engineering Systems & Frontier Technologies
Original engineering research across instrumentation, sensing, robotics, photonics, materials, autonomy, infrastructure, and complex technical systems.
Core
Remote Sensing Instrumentation
Optical and electronic sensors, calibration, data acquisition, earth observation, signal quality, and field deployment.
Core
Scientific Instrumentation Orientation
A practical orientation to measurement systems, laboratory readiness, sensors, calibration, data capture, safety, and instrument documentation.
Course inquiry
Connect this course to a program, certificate, or professional objective.
Join the interest list or request a course and pathway conversation.