AR Fourier Optics Lab

Understanding the image formation in a microscope

In the middle of the 19th century, Ernst Abbe revolutionized optics with his diffraction theory of the microscope. He predicted the resolution limit and derived mathematical guidelines for high-performance devices which became known as the "Fourier Optics" method. This enabled Carl Zeiss to design instruments by prior calculations and started the industrialization of physical instrumentation. Understanding Fourier Optics is an important learning goal in every undergraduate optics course.

This App was build to teach the basics of Fourier Optics in combination with an according lab experiment. It is intended for undergraduate students in Physics, Photonics and Optical Sciences. We recommend the use of the Thorlabs EDU-FOP2 Fourier Optics Kit:

https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=11829&pn=EDU-FOP2/M

The App was designed to augment the learning content onto an existing EDU-FOP2 setup ("Lab Companion Mode"), but also allows a stand-alone use of the students at home ("Preparation Mode") or in cases where a suitable setup is not available.

It will cover the following topics:

- Introduction to Fourier Optics

- Physical Background

- Mathematical Background

- Explanations on a typical lab setup with Köhler illumination (EDU-FOP2 from Thorlabs)

- Applications

- Historical Background