How to Make a Lens – An Introduction and Practical Application

Instructor: Ann Orel, Department of Applied Science, College of Engineering

Description: Have you ever wondered how lens work or how they are actually made?? This course will introduce students to basic geometric optics and lens design and supply them with the opportunity for hands-on lens fabrication. Demonstrations will be carried out at the Optical Science and Engineering lens fabrication test bed in the Department of Applied Science, College of Engineering.

Format: The seminar will meet two hours each week. The time will be divided between lecture presentations, lab demonstration and lab work. Reading material will be provided. There is no text for the course. Students will give a presentation and write a short paper on a topic in optics approved by the instructor. They will also make a lens. This work is expected to be done in groups. Grading: The course grade will be based on the quality of their written (30%) and oral (20%) presentations, and the quality and frequency of their participation in the lens grinding (40%) and class participation (10%).

About the Instructor: Professor Ann E. Orel is a member of the faculty in the Department of Applied Science. Her research interests are in the area of theoretical atomic and molecular physics.