This course is the first of a two-quarter sequence that provides the student with a basic understanding
of the scientific principles associated with electromagnetic radiation propagation, image capture and
formation, and image processing used to reproduce or display images. The first part of this course
focusses on the image capture stage of the image chain. The fundamentals of the interaction between
light and matter are covered. These concepts are then used to understand the operation and limitation
of detectors, including charge-coupled devices, and conventional film. The latter part of the course
focusses on the image display stage of the image chain. Both mean level and spatial properties are
discussed. The final part of the course ties together the basic principles covered and uses these to
understand system design optimization.