Fourier Optics and Optical Signal Processing

Fourier optics constitutes a simplified mathematical tool, which provides a handle for the understanding of the physical processes involved in optical systems. This mathematical framework can be used for a relatively easy access to the basic analysis and the design of optical systems. This entry provides an overview of Fourier optics and optical signal processing, list preliminary definitions, and detail the representation of linear systems. This entry also describes the basic optical systems.