A Hands-On Introduction to Optics

Level: Introductory Length: 2 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. Upon completion, participants have a fundamental understanding of essential optical components, and they are well-prepared to learn more specialized topics related to specific industries. Early registration is recommended for this hands-on class. 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 Technology Program Manager at Luminate, the largest startup accelerator in the world for optics, photonics, and imaging (OPI) technologies. He has a B.A. in physics from the University of Chicago and earned his Ph.D. at The Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester where he specialized in the theory and manufacture of "rugate" interference filters in polymer materials using holography. Prior to joining Luminate, he was chief scientist at ASE Optics, coordinator of the Optical Systems Technology program at Monroe Community College, and founder of Diehl Research Grant Services. He is well-regarded for his skill at explaining highly-technical content to general audiences and is sought after as a freelance writer for patent applications, technical white papers, and research grants. He holds two patents and is most recently the author of Grant Writing from the Ground Up from SPIE Press, the first book of its kind written specifically for early-career scientists and engineers. The book is based on his long-running workshop of the same name. Event: SPIE Optics + Photonics 2022 Course Held: 22 August 2022