Optical Information Processing

The text presents the essential materials for Optical Information Processing laboratory sessions at the Faculty of Physics, Warsaw University of Technology. These sessions complement lectures and workshops by offering practical applications that deepen understanding. The course includes seven laboratory exercises that provide hands-on experience in holography, optical setups, and numerical simulations, focusing on important aspects of optical information processing for a thorough grasp of both theory and practice.These experiments are especially advantageous for students specializing in optics and photonics, as they are crafted as advanced laboratory tasks. Initial exercises cover interferometry and holography, crucial techniques for precise surface analysis and deformation studies. Holography, in particular, is a precise method for visualizing micro changes and detecting internal flaws.Following these, students explore the basics of angular spectrum operations via spatial filtering, correlation observation, and Fourier hologram recording. A solid understanding of image processing in the frequency domain is essential for effectively managing optical setups and numerical algorithms.In the penultimate session, students model optical setups numerically, focusing on the differences between discrete and continuous signal processing. Mastery of the sampling theorem is crucial for accurately designing optical signals.The final laboratory exercise involves designing and creating holograms that can be reconstructed using white light. This series of exercises aims to enhance students' understanding of optical signal processing, consolidating their cumulative learning. The text is authored by Agnieszka Siemion and published by Oficyna Wydawnicza Politechniki Warszawskiej.