Optics Lab Reports

In these labs, we explored various aspects of optical imaging and gained practical experience with different microscopy techniques. Each lab report focuses on a specific topic and provides insights into the principles and techniques used in optical microscopy. Labs were based upon the Optical Microscopy Course by Thor Labs, created by my professor Dr. Neil Switz, and Dan Fletcher. Below is a list of the lab reports and a brief overview of their contents:

  • Lab 1: Introduction to Optical Imaging (I)
    • Handling Cameras and Using Camera Controls
    • Imaging and Lenses; Lens Focal Length
    • Cameras (Color and Monochrome)
    • Light Spectra
  • Lab 2: Introduction to Optical Imaging (II)
    • Imaging with a Camera; Focusing at Infinity
    • Setting Up Your Rail System
    • Imaging and Resolution Measurement
  • Lab 3: Aberrations and Illumination
    • Lens Orientation
    • Illumination Coherence
    • Color (Chromatic Aberration); Achromatic Lenses
  • Lab 4: Köhler Illumination
    • Collection Optics
    • Condensing Optics
    • Köhler Illumination
    • Numerical Aperture (NA); Resolution and Image Brightness
  • Lab 5: Köhler, Conjugate Planes, and Darkfield Imaging
    • Point-Spread Function (PSF)
    • Darkfield and Oblique Illumination
    • Image Manipulation in the Objective Back Focal Plane (BFP)
    • Darkfield I: Image Subtraction
    • Convolution and the PSF
    • Darkfield II: Convolution and Subtraction
  • Lab 6: The Abbe Theory of Image Formation (I)
    • Imaging the BFP
    • Diffraction and the BFP
    • Spatial Filtering in the BFP
  • Lab 7: The Abbe Theory of Image Formation (II)
    • The Modulation Transfer Function (MTF)
    • Incoherent MTF
    • Coherent MTF
    • The Edge-Spread Function (ESF) and the MTF
  • Lab 8: Contrast Methods and Abbe Theory
    • Brightfield
    • Darkfield and Signal-to-Background
    • MTF and Contrast
    • Phase Contrast Imaging
  • Lab 9: Fluorescence Microscopy
    • Fluorescence and Fluorescence Imaging
  • Lab 10: Spectra and Filters
    • Light Spectra
    • Filter Transmission and Behavior

Each lab report provides detailed explanations, procedures, and results related to the respective topic. By exploring these reports, I hope you'll gain a understanding of the principles and techniques involved in optical microscopy. Feel free to select and view any lab report from the provided list to delve into the fascinating world of microscopy and optical imaging.