“The best remedy against hallucination is measuring” [Plato, 427-347 B.C.]. Thus measuring is necessary to describe and quantify a physical quantity. Optical measurements require care since they can be used to characterize small distances and, hence, are sensitive to disturbances. In addition, measuring involves many hints and tricks to obtain reliable, repeatable quantities.<p> </p> This course teaches fundamentals of modern optical measurements. We begin with basics such as refractive index measurements and integrating sphere operations (infinite sum of reflected beams…). Focal length measurements of a lens or MTF measurements are included as well. Next, measurements of external transmission, internal transmission and transmittance are explained. Afterwards a goniophotometer and an x-y stage for numerical aperture (NA) or light distribution curve and laser beam diameter measurements are shown and described. This is followed by the basics of spectral measurements—including how a monochromator works--and finally interferometric measurement techniques are explained. The course discusses how many repeated measurements are needed for reliable, statistically significant results and what statistical data should be provided to fully characterize a measurement.<p> </p> In reference to essential/relevant applications the individual advantages and drawbacks of various methods are described. Anyone faced with the question “How can I do basic optical measurements?” or “How reliable is my measurement result?” will benefit from this course. The applications section will provide best practice examples for optical measurements on LEDs, lighting and/or displays.

The move towards autonomous vehicles will be accompanied by increased use of interior displays of various form factors. The need to optimize visual ergonomics of such displays for outstanding user experience requires additional and new optical measurement techniques extending the current methodologies. Given the high standards of the automotive industry, such techniques, once developed and refined, can easily map to additional applications including e-signage, outdoor displays, the medical industry, and any high quality display application.<p> </p> This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of optical measurements of displays including such parameters luminance, contrast ratio, color and grey scale. Temperature, ambient light, and component aging all affect the perceived image quality. Optical measurement system layouts and methods will be presented and compared, and the impact of such measurements as they relate to human factors such as visual perception will be discussed. All measurements and methods will be taught through a theoretical foundation moving then to a focus on practical applications of these results. Case studies will enable interactive discussions pertinent to the student since there are often more than one solution for any given application. Anyone faced with questions such as, “How can I evaluate the optical performance of displays for premium applications” or “What do my measurement results imply in terms of human perception and vision” will benefit from this course.

<p> The impact and quality requirements of light sources, LEDs and displays have risen significantly in recent years. Photometric measurements like lumen and nits describe results and values as “perceived” - opposite to SI units such as Watt. The need to optimize visual ergonomics and cost of those light emitting systems requires in-depth knowledge of optical techniques and photometric measurement methods such as spectrometers and colorimeters. </p> <p> This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of optical measurements using photometric methods. Optical measurement systems (spectrometer, colorimeter, color imager) and methods will be presented and compared. The impact of such measurements as they relate to human factors such as visual perception will be discussed as well. All measurements and methods will be taught through a theoretical foundation moving then to practical applications of these results. Case studies will enable interactive discussions pertinent to the student since there are often more than one solution for any given application. Anyone faced with questions such as, “How can I evaluate the optical performance of light sources, LEDs or displays for premium applications and what are the relevant sources of errors” or “What do my measurement results imply in terms of human perception and vision” will benefit from this course. </p>

This course enables attendees to choose and specify the appropriate optical filter type for different applications. The physical principles of interference (multilayer thin film) and absorption (doped glass) filters are explained. Optical filters are clustered into groups according to their spectral characteristics (e.g. band pass or notch filter). The individual advantages and drawbacks of the different filter types are described across the ultraviolet, visible and infrared spectrum. Anyone who is faced with the question "what is the right filter for my application?" or "how should I specify the filter?" will benefit from this course.