This course will introduce the modern optics beginning with a description electromagnetic radiation and the use of Fourier techniques to describe optical systems. A central theme is a description of phase and coherence that enables a discussion of applications of modern optics including interference, diffraction and polarisation, by introducing interferometers, interference in multilayer films, diffracting gratings, holography, confocal microscope, and optical activity.
Module learning outcomes
Quantitatively describe the nature of electromagnetic radiation
Differentiate between coherent and incoherent sources of electromagnetic radiation
Calculate the propagation of electromagnetic radiation using Fourier techniques
Understand the principle of interferometers; be able to determine interference - fringes.
Understand the principle of antireflection coating; be able to design and analyse multi-layer antireflection systems.
Understand the principal of a cavity and be able to describe the operation of a Fabry-Perot interferometer
Understand the principle of holography; determine configurations of formation and reconstruction of a hologram; determine transverse and axial magnifications.
Understand principle of diffraction grating; determine diffraction patterns, resolving - power, and spectrums by diffraction gratings.
Module content
Syllabus
Fourier optics (3 lectures)
Paraxial approximation of the Helmholtz equation
Diffraction - Fresnel and Fraunhofer approximations
Coherence - (3 lectures)
Superposition of incoherent and coherent sources
Coherence in Young's slits (intro to coherence)
Temporal coherence
Spatial coherence
The optical transfer theorem
Interferometry (4 lectures)
Mirrored interferometers
Multi-beam interference
Antireflection coating and multilayer periodic systems
Radar Interferometry
Standing waves
The Fabry-Perot interferometer
Holography (3 lectures)
Recording amplitude and phase
The recording media
Reconstruction of the original wavefront
Linearity of the holographic process
Image formation by holography
Diffraction gratings: (3 lecture)
N-slit diffraction
Grating spectrometers
Confocal and phase contrast microscopes: (2 lectures)
Basic concept
Variants and resolution
Assessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework Essay
N/A
14
Online Exam Modern Optics
N/A
86
Special assessment rules
None
Reassessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Online Exam Modern Optics
N/A
86
Module feedback
Physics Practice Questions (PPQs) - You will receive the marked scripts via your pigeon holes. Feedback solutions will be provided on the VLE or by other equivalent means from your lecturer. As feedback solutions are provided, normally detailed comments will not be written on your returned work, although markers will indicate where you have lost marks or made mistakes. You should use your returned scripts in conjunction with the feedback solutions.
Exams - You will receive the marks for the individual exams from eVision. Detailed model answers will be provided on the intranet. You should discuss your performance with your supervisor.
Advice on academic progress - Individual meetings with supervisor will take place where you can discuss your academic progress in detail.
Indicative reading
Born, Max and Emil Wolf, Principles of Optics
Haken H and Wolf H C: The Physics of Atoms and Quanta (Springer).
Hawkes J and Latimer I: Lasers: Theory and Practice (Prentice-Hall).
Hecht, Eugene, Optics
Smith, F Graham, Terry A King and Dan Wilkins Optics and Photonics: An Introduction