Optics
MIT OpenCourseWare's introduction to optical science covers both geometrical and wave optics with elementary engineering applications. Geometrical optics topics include ray-tracing, aberrations, lens design, apertures and stops, and radiometry and photometry. Wave optics topics include basic electrodynamics, polarization, interference, wave-guiding, Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction, image formation, resolution, and space-bandwidth product. The course emphasizes analytical and numerical tools used in optical design, with problem sets built around lens and system design calculations. Graduate students complete assignments with stronger analytical content plus an advanced design project, while undergraduates follow a lighter track through the same material. As with other MIT OCW offerings, the course provides lecture notes, assignments, and exams for self-study at no cost, with no certificate offered.