Most of us are familiar with the concept of digital image processing. The idea that 'the camera can never lie' is no longer valid. Image processing can be performed directly on an optical image. This course is an introduction to coherent optical image processing through the medium of diffraction; together with an approach to imaging with non-coherent light. Fourier theory underlies much of the mathematics of the course.

The second part of the course is concerned with fibre optic communications. A simple introduction using Maxwell's equations will be given to the performance of optical fibres and an overview of optical communications with fibre optics will be explored.

By the end of the module the student should be able to:

• Explain the principles of image processing;
• Derive the details for some simple image processing using Fourier theory;
• Outline the impact of the coherence of a light source on the diffraction pattern of an object it is used to illuminate;
• Use Maxwell's equations to derive the propagation of em waves in some examples of bounded cavities;
• Describe the use of optical fibres for signal communication.