Summary

Constructing modern electro-optical instruments such as microscopes, cameras, optical inspection equipment, spectrometers, and CD and DVD players is one of the most interdisciplinary activities in engineering. This book fills the gap between physics, electrical engineering, optical engineering, and computer science to demonstrate to a broad audience the "hows" and "whys" of building electro-optical systems with a minimum of trial and error.Written in an engaging and conversational style, this Second Edition has been updated and expanded to reflect the latest advancements that have occurred since publication of the previous edition. Key features of this new edition include:- Expanded coverage of detectors, lasers, photon budgets, signal processing scheme planning, and front ends- A brand new chapter on mechanics and motion- Coverage of basic theory and measurement principles to optical and electronic design, debugging and system integration- Chapter problems that are highly relevant to real-world design- A discussion of low-light level detectorsEach chapter begins with an introduction and an appendix is included at the back of the book pointing readers toward valuable reading to further enhance their knowledge of the presented material. Building Electro-Optical Systems: Making It All Work, Second Edition is essential reading for researchers, scientists, students, and various professionals who work in optical design.

Author Biography

Philip C. D. Hobbs, PhD, is Principal of ElectroOptical Innovations, a consultancy in Briarcliff Manor, New York.

Preface
Acknowledgments
Basic Optical Calculations
Introduction
Wave Propagation
Calculating Wave Propagation in Real Life
Detection
Coherent Detection
Interferometers
Photon Budgets and Operating Specifications
Signal Processing Strategy
Sources and Illuminators
Introduction
The Spectrum
Radiometry
Continuum Sources
Interlude: Coherence
More Sources
Incoherent Line Sources
Using Low-Coherence Sources: Condensers
Lasers
Gas Lasers
Solid-State Lasers
Diode Lasers
Laser Noise
Diode Laser coherence control
Optical Detection
Introduction
Photodetection in Semiconductors
Signal to Noise Ratios
Detector figures of merit
Quantum detectors
Quantum Detectors with Gain
Thermal Detectors
Image intensifiers
Silicon Array Sensors
How do I know which noise source dominates?
Hacks
Lenses, Prisms, and Mirrors
Introduction
Optical Materials
Light Transmission
Surface Quality
Windows
Pathologies of Optical Elements
Fringes
Mirrors
Glass Prisms
Prism Pathologies
Lenses
Complex Lenses
Other Lenslike Devices
Coatings, Filters, and Surface Finishes
Introduction
Metal Mirrors
Transmissive Optical Coatings
Simple Coating Theory
Absorptive Filters
Beam Dumps and Baffles
White Surfaces and Diffusers
Polarization
Introduction
Polarization of Light
Interaction of Polarization with Materials
Absorption polarizers
Brewster Polarizers
Birefringent Polarizers
Double-Refraction Polarizers
TIR Polarizers
Retarders
Polarization Control
Exotic Optical Components
Introduction
Gratings
Grating Pathologies
Types of Gratings
Resolution of Grating Instruments
Fine Points of Gratings
Holographic optical elements
Retroreflective Materials
Scanners
Modulators
Fibre Optics
Introduction
Fibre Characteristics
Fibre Theory
Fibre Types
Other Fibre Properties
Working eith Fibres
Fibre Devices
Diode lasers and fibre optics
Fibre Optic Sensors
Intensity Sensors
Spectrally Encoded Sensors
Polarimetric Sensors
Fibre Interferometers
Two-Beam
Multiple Beam Fibre Interferometers
Phase and Polarization Stabilization
Multiplexing and Smart Structures
Fibre Sensor Hype
Optical Systems
Introduction
What, exactly, does a lens do?
Diffraction
Aberrations
Representing Aberrations

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Supplemental Materials

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