An extremely simplified optics laboratory for teaching the fundamentals of Fourier analysis

Abstract

Abstract In this paper, we describe easy and cheap optics experiences for teaching undergraduate students the fundamental properties of Fourier transforms on an experimental basis. By exploiting the eye as the Fourier transforming device, a common magnifying lens, and quasi-coherent light from a small white LED, quantitative results can be easily obtained about the fundamental theorems used in Fourier analysis. The concept of coherence is also introduced in an elementary way. This approach has been successfully adopted to teach third-year students in physics, who operated in a completely autonomous way during the COVID-19 lockdown, without access to a laboratory. This proves the effectiveness of the method. Thanks to its experimental simplicity, it can easily be extended to teach and show the fundamental effects to a larger audience, including high-school students.