Using MATLAB to help teach Fourier optics

S. M. Schultz

doi:10.1117/12.735889

18 October 2007 Using MATLAB to help teach Fourier optics

S. M. Schultz

Proceedings Volume 6695, Optics and Photonics for Information Processing; 66950I (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.735889
Event: Optical Engineering + Applications, 2007, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

This paper discusses the development of a graduate level course that covers diffraction theory and Fourier optics. MATLAB^TM is used as the basic numerical tool for these projects. In addition to providing functions for the calculation of Fresnel diffraction, the FFT command enables the calculation of the diffraction pattern of an arbitrary aperture. Relatively simple MATLAB^TM scripts are constructed to calculate the diffraction patterns of arbitrary graphics created in other programs such as text, pictures of faces, fingerprints, etc. Furthermore, the resulting diffraction patterns can be filtered and the same FFT commands be used to perform an inverse Fourier transform. This paper also describes a few demonstrations that can be used to reinforce what is covered on the projects. The demonstrations are based on a simple 4F system. The first half of the 4F system is used to show how an illuminated image changes from a reduced version of the image into a spatial frequency mapping. A Fourier plane mask is also created with small features on a chrome plated photomask. Since the features are relatively small various different types aperture can be placed on the mask.

Citation Download Citation

S. M. Schultz "Using MATLAB to help teach Fourier optics", Proc. SPIE 6695, Optics and Photonics for Information Processing, 66950I (18 October 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.735889

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