ECE 51300: Digital Cameras and Fourier Optics

Professor Stanley H. Chan, Purdue University, Fall 2025

Course Information

Lecture: MWF: 12:30-1:20
Room: WANG 2555

Instructor: Professor Stanley H. Chan
Email: stanchan AT purdue DOT edu
Office Hour: By email appointment.

Syllabus

Syllabus: (PDF)

Description

This course covers the basics of digital cameras. Part 1 of the course includes camera design, image formation, and basic camera parameters such as depth of field, focal length, exposure, auto-focus. Part 2 of the course covers the fundamentals of Fourier optics, including 2D Fourier analysis, scalar diffraction theory, Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction theory, lens model, and frequency analysis of optical systems. Part 3 of the course covers digital image sensors, including CMOS pixels, photon shot noise, dark current, pixel non-uniformity, conversion gain, analog-to-digital conversion.

Learning Objective

  • Be familiar with parameters of digital cameras

  • Understand the basic principles of Fourier optics

  • Understand the basic principles of digital image sensors

Grade

  • 20% Exam 1

  • 20% Exam 2

  • 20% Exam 3

  • 20% Exam 4

  • 20% Attendance

Exam Policy

  • Closed book.

  • One-page, single-sided cheat sheet allowed.

  • “Standard” calculators allowed. No cell phone calculator.

  • If you need to miss an exam, you need approval from us BEFORE the exam.

    • Allowed reasons include: medical emergency with proof; conference with proof.

    • These will NOT be allowed: interview, job search, vacation

  • Any approved missed exam will be given ONE chance to make up during the final exam week. The makeup exam will be cumulative.

  • You are allowed to miss up to one exam. If you need to miss two or more exams, you'd better re-take the class in the future.

Bonus Projects

  • Up to 5 points (out of 100 points) per Exam.

  • You can take photos of subjects you are interested in, according to the following themes.

  • Photos will be uploaded Gradescope. The teaching staff will vote on the grades.

  • Themes and deadlines:

    • Theme 1: Worlds within – Close-up details of tiny object. Due: 9/14 11:59pm ET

    • Theme 2: Time-Stretched – Light trails, start trails, flowing water. Due: 10/9 11:59pm ET

    • Theme 3: Focus of Focus – Highlight a single subject and mess around depth of field. Due: 11/6 11:59pm ET

    • Theme 4: Dark Knight – Seeing in the dark with wide dynamic range. Due: 12/11 11:59pm ET

  • Each submission should specify the camera parameters. Camera model, aperture size, exposure, shutter, ISO, etc.

  • Location must be local to ensure that you don't buy photos online. West Lafayette students should take your photos in West Lafayette.

Lecture

Week 1

Week 2

  • Labor Day

    • Sep 1, 2025 Monday

Week 3

Week 4

  • Exam 1

    • Sep 15, 2025 Monday

    • Closed book, in person exam

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

  • Exam 2

    • Oct 10, 2025 Friday

    • Closed book, in person exam

Week 8

  • October Break

    • Oct 13, 2025 Monday

  • October Break

    • Oct 15, 2025 Wednesday

Week 9

Week 10

Week 11

  • Exam 3

    • Nov 7, 2025 Friday

    • Closed book, in person exam

Week 12

Week 13

Week 14

  • Thanks Giving Break

    • Nov 24, 2025 Monday

  • Thanks Giving Break

    • Nov 26, 2025 Wednesday

  • Thanks Giving Break

    • Nov 28, 2025 Friday

Week 15

Week 16

  • Lecture 38:

    • Dec 10, 2025 Wednesday

    • Conclusion

  • Exam 4

    • Dec 12, 2025 Friday

    • Closed book, in person exam