View Specification DocumentExperimental Optics and Microscopy PHYS5099
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Physics and Astronomy
- Credits: 10
- Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
- Typically Offered: Semester 1
- Available to Visiting Students: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
This course combines lectures on key optics concepts with hands-on practical classes where students gain familiarity with optical system construction and instrument characterisation. Lectures will cover conceptual topics such as image formation, resolution, and diffraction and common components including cameras and objective lenses.
Timetable
There will be 7 one-hour lectures on campus, and 7 practical classes lasting 3 hours each.
Requirements of Entry
None
Excluded Courses
None
Assessment
A one hour exam will assess understanding of the concepts taught in lectures (34%).
Three laboratory reports will assess the understanding gained from practical activities, worth 22% each, totalling 66%.
Main Assessment In: December
Course Aims
The aims of the course are to equip students with proficiency in designing, constructing, and precisely aligning experimental setups in experimental optics for microscopy. Through a combination of introductory lectures and hands-on practical sessions utilizing ThorLabs parts, students gain practical experience in custom optical system construction. They also develop an understanding of microscope objective lenses and their properties, including concepts such as image formation, the diffraction limit, and point spread functions. Another objective is to instruct students in the effective use of various microscope and camera systems effectively, understand camera properties and calibration, and adhere to laser safety protocols when designing imaging systems. Furthermore, students acquire skills in quantitatively measuring the performance of built imaging systems, including resolution, sensitivity, and dynamic range.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ Design, construct, and align experimental optical systems for microscopy.
■ Compare microscope objective lenses and assess their properties for optical experiments, with reference to concepts in microscopy such as image formation, the diffraction limit, and point spread functions.
■ Use a variety of microscope and camera systems competently, referring to the manufacturer's documentation.
■ Appraise camera technology for specific applications, based on an understanding of camera properties and calibration, including read noise.
■ Design and construct imaging systems that ensure laser safety.
■ Measure the performance of built imaging systems quantitatively, with reference to signal-to-noise, resolution, and point spread functions.