| CODE | PHY2220 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Optics | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 6 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Physics | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit provides a broad treatment of optics, from introductory principles to Fourier optics. Topics covered in this unit include: The particle interpretation of light; Summary of Fourier Analysis; Geometric Optics: Ray Transfer Matrix Analysis with examples; Aberration theory; Interference: Spatial and Temporal Coherence; Interferometers; Single and double slit diffraction, Near and far field diffraction theory; Gaussian beam examples; Grating examples; Babinet’s principle; Polarization; Laser physics (holography, quantum optics, metrology, medical applications, environmental sensing, etc. depending on available time); Telescopes (refractors, reflectors, catadioptric); Point Spread Functions and response of imaging systems; Adaptive optics; Gravitational lensing: strong, weak and micro, cosmic telescopes. Study-unit Aims: This unit aims to provide students with the opportunity to appreciate the nature of light (with an emphasis on its particle nature) and gain a quantitative understanding of its interaction with matter. Students will acquire a good foundation of the principles of physical optics and become familiar with calculation of ray transfer matrices as well as describing the diffraction outcome for a general aperture set-up. A wide range of applications will be explored via numerous examples, both descriptive and quantitative. The concepts covered in this unit will also provide a solid basis for students opting to further their studies in astrophysics and astronomical instrumentation, and quantum optics. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Gain a historical appreciation of the study of light and optics; - Gain quantitative understanding of the interaction of light and matter; - Describe the wave-particle nature of light, and apply both a wave and particle treatment; - Obtain a good understanding of scattering theory; - Acquire good working knowledge of the main principles in geometric optics; - Demonstrate an understanding of the foundations of aberration theory via a geometric description; - Explain polarisation, phenomena such as birefringence, and related applications; - Apply a mathematical treatment to diffraction theory; - Acquire a good, quantitive understanding of Fourier optics. 2. Skills By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Analytically solve problems in geometrical optics; - Learn how to work with ray transfer matrices; - Apply electromagnetic theory to optics; - Carry out ray transfer calculations pertaining to an array of optical instruments (e.g. cameras and telescopes); - Mathematically describe interference, solve problems about interferometers, and related applications; - Work with Stokes parameters and Jones matrices to describe polarisation; - Calculate the diffraction outcome for a general aperture set-up; - Use Fresnel integrals in diffraction theory; - Apply Fourier analysis to problems in optics. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - E. Hecht, 'Optics', Addison-Wesley, 2011. |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | Pre-Requisite Study-units: Electricity and Magnetism, Foundations of Modern Physics | ||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Independent Study & Tutorial | ||||||||
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| LECTURER/S | Joseph Caruana |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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