Module Code - Title:
PH4041
-
OPTICS
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
PH4102
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The aim of this course is to develop and extend the students knowledge of the principles of physical optics and introduce the students to contemporary optics.
Syllabus:
Waves: wave description, wave equation, plane waves. Electromagnetic energy transport: EM waves, Poynting vector. Light in a dielectric: electron-oscillator model, refraction, absorption. Light at an interface: refraction, reflection, Fresnel equations. Polarization: polarisation states, Malus's law, birefringence, wave plates and compensators, optical activity, photoelasticity. Interferometry: wavefront splitting interferometers, amplitude splitting interferometers, multiple beam interference, applications. Diffraction: Frauhofer diffraction, Fresnel diffraction, Kirchoffs scalar diffraction theory. Fourier optics: Fourier transforms, optical applications. Coherence: visibility and mutual coherence. Contemporary optics: lasers, fibre optics, holography, nonlinear optics.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Describe how physical optics effects arise and the principles that underlie contemporary optics.
Discuss the physical processes responsible for physical optics and in contemporary optics.
Describe physical basis and experimental observations of physical optics.
Derive relevant equations describing physical and contemporary optics, from basic laws and principles.
Solve numerical problems, from information provided, on the topics covered.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Discuss the importance of physical and contemporary optics in applied physics.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Perform experiments requiring precise measurement.
Use optical and electronic apparatus for observation and measurement.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Students will learn via interactive lecture, laboratory, experiential tutorial and problem based private study.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
E. Hecht (2003)
Optics 4th Edition
, Pearson Education
Other Relevant Texts:
F.L. Pedrotti & L.M. Pedrotti (2006)
Introduction to Optics 3rd Edition
, Pearson Education
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
David.Corcoran@ul.ie