Unit information: Modern Optics 315 in 2014/15

Unit name	Modern Optics 315
Unit code	PHYS31500
Credit points	10
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Furqaan Yusaf
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	PHYS11300 and PHYS11400 or first year extended mathematics units, plus PHYS21030 Classical Physics.
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Physics
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

Optics is the study of light: its generation, propagation, detection and interaction with matter. In this course we will examine the wave nature of light including propagation, interaction with physical media, and application to optical devices. The main aim is to help the student develop a thorough understanding of the underlying physical principles of modern optical systems and devices: to illustrate how these principles are used in current optical research, examples such as negative refraction and breaking the diffraction limit will be discussed at relevant points in the course.

Aims:

The main aim is to help the student develop a thorough understanding of the underlying physical principles of modern optical systems and devices.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon the successful completion of this course, each student will be able to:

1. Discuss the concepts and laws governing wave and geometrical optics, including their limitations.
2. Be able to solve analytical problems at the appropriate level using mathematical techniques, including differential calculus, matrix algebra and Fourier analysis which require use of the knowledge
3. Know the basic principles underlying modern optical components including lasers, optical fibres and optical microscopes.

Teaching Information

Lectures and Problems Classes

Assessment Information

2 hour written examination. Attendance at problems classes may contribute to the award of credit points.

Reading and References

Main texts:

Introduction to Modern Optics, 2nd Ed., Grant R. Fowles
Optical Physics, 4th Ed., Ariel Lipson, Stephen G. Lipson and Henry Lipson.