Teaching of optical imaging and aberrations

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to give an outline of my approach on how to teach optical imaging and aberrations based on my teaching experience. Teaching of optical imaging starts with Gaussian imaging, which determines the location and size of the image in terms of the location and size of the object. Diffraction of the light leaving its exit pupil determines the actual image. Quality of the image is determined by the aberrations of the system. Hence, their knowledge and understanding about how they degrade the image by way of the aberrated PSF and OTF of the system must be an integral part of an optical imaging course. We discuss the teaching flow, including the calculation of aberrations, how to make interesting numerical problems for homework that are interesting and relevant, and when to use commercial software.