Course detail

Design of Instruments and Optomechanics I

FSI-TK1Acad. year: 2025/2026

The course introduces students to the design of basic optical systems and devices so that they will be able to design elementary instruments.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

8

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

prof. RNDr. Radim Chmelík, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Physical Engineering (ÚFI)

Entry knowledge

Refractive index, Snell's law, dispersion, light refraction in plan-parallel plate, Gaussian space, graphic determination of the image position, lens maker’s equation (Newton, Gauss, Gullstrand), spherical faces, lenses, Fresnel equations for refraction, mirrors, aberrations of optical systems.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Active participation in seminars and three written tests.
Exam: written.
Attendance at practicals is obligatory. Absence may be compensated for by the agreement with the teacher depending on the length of absence.

Aims

The aim of the course is to acquaint students with the basic properties of optical materials from the optics point of view, processes taking place at the interface of the optically isotropic environments, and properties of real optical components and their combination. Students will be able to apply this basic knowledge of geometrical optics in design and construction of optical systems.
Students will be made familiar with concrete optical components, with their mounting in the mechanical parts. They will be made familiar also with the specific optical devices and with their design and mounting. They will gain the fundamental overview of the field.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

De Silva, C. W.: Sensors and actuators: Engineering system instrumentation. CRC Press, 2015
Edwards, K., McKee R.: Fundamentals of mechanical component design, McGraw-Hill, 1991.
Glézl, Š.-Kamarád, J.-Slimák, I.: Presná mechanika
Harna, Z.: Přesná mechanika.
Havelka, B.: Geometrická optika II
norma ISO 10110
Tryliński, W.: Fine mechanisms and precision instruments: principles of design. Pergamon, 1971.
Van Hell,AC.s.: Advanced Optical Techniques
Yoder, P.: Mounting optics in optical instruments, SPIE Bellingham, 2008

Recommended reading

Glézl, Š.-Kamarád, J.-Slimák, I.: Presná mechanika
Harna, Z.: Přesná mechanika
Havelka, B.: Geometrická optika II
Keprt, E.: Teorie optických přístrojů I, II
norma ISO 10110
Yoder, P.: Mounting optics in optical instruments, SPIE Bellingham, 2008

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme N-FIN-P Master's 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme N-PMO-P Master's 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

39 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. RNDr. Radim Chmelík, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Eye and vision, basic optical components
2. Fixing of lens, prismatic and reflexion systems
3. Cameras, detectors and digital optics
4. Straight leadings, rotating mountings, principles of kinematic systems
5. Actuators, coulisse mechanisms and kinematic gear, couplings and gearing in precision mechanics
6. Materials for mechanical design and their properties
7. Design and calculation of springs, flexible elements, and spring joints
8. Technical drawings and standardization in optical production, drawing and dimensioning of optical components, surface quality, manufacturing precision
9. Principle of function and types of telescopes, riflescope design
10. Principles of the optical microscope, interferometers and interference microscopes
11. Principle of the objective imaging devices, photographic cameras
12. Devices for enlarging and projecting, rangefinders, refractometers

Computer-assisted exercise

52 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. RNDr. Radim Chmelík, Ph.D.

Syllabus

PC support of the course - design and drawings of selected apparatuses.