Computer Data Acquisition for Experiments in Modern Geometrical Optics

为了提供最新的、与应用光学相关的教育，学生必须有计算机数据采集和分析的实践经验。这个项目将在学生将参加的第一个应用光学实验室中提供这样的体验。个人计算机将与线性光电二极管阵列接口，以测量图像的空间范围和图像的辐照度。有了这台设备，学生们将能够进行辐射测量实验。学生还将能够测量图像的横向像差。线性阵列和计算机的组合将使扫描图像以确定点扩展函数，然后确定调制传递函数成为可能。这种确定光学系统调制传递函数的独特而直接的方法应该会极大地阐明这一重要问题。这一设备还将使传统的针孔相机现代化成为可能。该大学将提供等额的资金来匹配该奖项。

To provide an up to date, relevant education in Applied Optics, it is essential for students to have hands-on experience with computer data acquisition and analysis. This project will provide such an experience in the very first Applied Optics lab which the students will take. A personal computer will be interfaced with a linear photodiode array to measure the spatial extent of images and the image irradiance. With this equipment, students will be able to perform experiments in radiometry. The student will also be able to measure the transverse aberration of an image. The linear array and computer combination will make it possible to scan an image to determine a point spread function and then the modulation transfer function. This unique and straightforward way of determining the modulation transfer function of an optical system should greatly clarify this important subject. This equipment will also make it possible to modernize the classic pinhole camera. The University will match the award with an equal amount of funds.