A Hands-On Introduction to Optics

Level: Introductory Length: 4 hours Format: In-Person Lecture Intended Audience: This course is for non-technical professionals working in optics and photonics, especially people transferring from other industries. The course establishes an intuitive understanding of optics based on experiential learning. No prior scientific or mathematical background is assumed. Description: Participants in this class work with optical components to establish an intuitive understanding of core optical principles such as wavelength, refraction, dispersion, diffraction, and interference. Students then apply this knowledge to understand the operation of optical instruments such as lasers and interferometers. The course is complete in itself and also prepares students to learn more specialized topics related to specific industries. This course is limited to 30 attendees. Early registration is recommended. Learning Outcomes: This course will enable you to: - describe light in a technical manner in terms of wavelength, polarization, and intensity - intuit the behavior of light due to reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference - classify basic optical components by appearance and function Instructor(s): Damon Diehl is the Director of Technology Integration at Luminate, the largest startup accelerator in the world for early-stage companies developing optics, photonics, and imaging-based products. He has a B.A. in physics and mathematics from the University of Chicago and earned his Ph.D. at The Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester. He is the former director of the Optical Systems Technology program at Monroe Community College and excels at concisely explaining science and engineering concepts in practical language to non-scientific audiences. In 2021, he authored the book Grant Writing from the Ground Up for SPIE Press. The book is based on his long-running workshop of the same name. Event: SPIE Photonics West 2025 Course Held: 27 January 2025