Course Description: Photoconductors; semiconductors; signal and noise mechanisms; figures of merit; limitations on the sensitivity of detectors; orbital mechanics,; and infrared system SNR calculations, optical design considerations in spectrometers.

Course Objectives: This course covers optical detectors and electro-optical systems from an engineer's point of view. It is an engineering course more than a physics course. The interaction of light and matter is reviewed, but from a more conceptual point of view; it is not fundamental physics or a mathematical analysis of solid state physics. Following the coverage of detector arrays, the perspective of the class will broaden to encompass the design of an EO system. The material in the second part of the semester will be presented in order to coincide with the steps in designing a spaced-based sensor. Again, emphasis will be placed on providing the student with engineering concepts and rules.

Course Outline by Topical Areas:

Basic Radiometry

Photoconductors, Hotovoltaic, Bolometers and Pyroelectric

Thermal Detectors

Noise Mechanisms in Optical Detector

Figures of Merit (NEP, D*, D**)

2-Dimensional Arrays, Monolithic and Hybrid

Target Phenomenology

Orbital Mechanics

Atmospheric Effects

System Figures of Merit (NETD, NESR, MRTD)

Optical Design Considerations

Calibration, Radiometric and Spectral Data Exploitation

Polarization Fundamentals

Course Requirements:

Homework: Approximately one set every week

Examinations: Midterm and final

Computer Language: None

Computer Facilities: None

Laboratory: None

Project: Term paper/project

Degree Applicability:

CE[AA]	CH[NA]	CS[AA]	EE[BDE]	EM[E]	ESM[NA]	MAT[E]
MBA[NA]	ME[E]	MES[BE]	MSE[E]	SE[NA]	SY[AA]

Click here for further information on degree applicability.

NTU Semester Credit Hours: 3
Number of Lecture Hours: 30 (75 minute) lectures
Days Class Meets on Campus: Tuesday/Thursday

Contributing Scholar:
Eustace L. Dereniak
Optical Sciences Center
University of Arizona
Box 210094
Tucson, AZ   85721-0094
Phone: 520-621-1019
          520-621-5690
Fax: 520-621-6778
eustace@u.arizona.edu
http://www.optics.arizona.edu/detlab

Note: Contributing Scholars are responsible for the design, organization, content, and presentation of NTU courses. Online classroom management, student management, and other matters related to academic administration of courses are the responsibility of support "Faculty". Either person is often called "Instructor". To identify and differentiate between these roles, we use the terms "Contributing Scholar" and "Faculty".

Academic/Administrative Contact:  
Ms. Cindy Robertson
Phone: 520-621-5874
Fax: 520-621-5143
cindyr@email.arizona.edu


Prerequisites: Solid State Physics, Elementary Electronics.

Textbooks: (Order Materials)

1.	Infrared Detectors and System, E. L. Dereniak and G. C. Boreman, Wiley, 1996