Field Guide to Linear Systems in Optics

Book excerpt: Linear systems is a broad and important area in many scientific and engineering disciplines, and it is especially important in optics because it forms the basis for Fourier optics, diffraction theory, image-quality assessment, and many other areas. This Field Guide provides the practicing optical engineer with a reference for the basic concepts and techniques of linear systems, including Fourier series, continuous and discrete Fourier transforms, convolution, sampling and aliasing, and MTF/PSF using the language, notation, and applications from optics, imaging, and diffraction.