Use of simulation tools to enhance classroom instruction in aberrations, interferometry, and optical testing

Computer-based simulation tools can be an effective component in the teaching of aberrations, interferometry, and optical testing, as part of an educational strategy that includes classroom fundamentals and hands-on laboratory practice. At the University of Rochester, a MATLAB-based simulation graphical user interface (GUI) has been incorporated into both the undergraduate and graduate curricula. Users specify aberrations using either primary Seidel aberration coefficients or Zernike coefficients and the simulation GUI produces a broad array of displays including wavefront and transverse ray aberration representations, imaging-system performance metrics, interferometry simulation, including lateral shearing interferometry, Shack–Hartmann sensing simulations, and Foucault knife-edge and wire tests. We describe the simulation GUI and discuss how aspects of it are used to enhance classroom instruction at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.