MOHAWK VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
UTICA, NEW YORK
COURSE OUTLINE
I.
Catalog Description
OP262 – Physical Optics
Pre-requisites:
C-3, P-3, Cr – 4.5
OP161 Introduction to Photonics
OP261 – Geometrical Optics
Complex representation of waves, scalar diffraction theory; Fresnel and Fraunhofer
diffraction and application to measurement; partially coherent light; diffraction and
image formations; optical transfer function; coherent optical systems, optical data
processing, and holography.
II.
Text and Materials
TBD
III.
Student Objectives:
1. the student will demonstrate an understanding of how wave motion is
represented mathematically in two and three dimensions.
2. students will learn how to utilize both trigonometric and complex formulations
of wave motion.
3. students will receive an appreciation of the mathematical and experimental
representation of wave superposition.
4. students will experimentally examine polarized light and learn how polarized is
mathematically described.
5. the student will learn the conditions necessary for interference and will be able
to describe several techniques for obtaining interference.
6. students will demonstrate the understanding of the importance of diffraction
phenomena in a variety of disciplines.
7. students will demonstrate and understanding of the basics of Fourier Optics and
will develop skills for performing Fourier Optic investigations both in the lab
and in simulation with the aid of a spreadsheet.
8. students will demonstrate an understanding of lasers and laser light.
9. students will demonstrate an understanding of a physical and artist appreciation
for holography
10. within the laboratory environment, students will demonstrate interpersonal
skills.
IV.
Outline
2
1. Mathematics of Wave Motion
a.
Waves
One-Dimensional
Harmonic
Plane
Spherical
Cylindrical
Three-Dimensional
Complex Representation
Phase and Phase Velocity
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
b.
c.
2. Superposition of Waves
a.
Same Frequency
Algebraic Method
Complex Method
Phasors
Standing Waves
1.
2.
3.
4.
b.
Different Frequency
Beats
Group Velocity
Anharmonic Period Wave
Non-Periodic Waves
Pulses and Wave Packets
Optical Bandwidths
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
3. Polarization
a.
Production
1. Nature of Polarized Light
2. Polarizers
3. Dichroism
4. Birefringence
5. Scattering
6. Reflection
b.
c.
Applications
1. Retardaters
2. Circular Polarizers
3. Polychromatic Light
4. Optical Activity
5. Optical Modulators
Mathematical Description (optional)
2
3
4. Interference
a.
Production
1. Condition
2. Wavefront – Splitting
3. Amplitude – Splitting
4. Fringes
5. Mulitiple- Beams
b.
Applications
1. Single and Multilayer Films
2. Interferometry
5. Diffraction
a.
Fraunhofer
b.
Fresnel
c.
Kirchoff’s Scalar Theory (optional)
d.
Boundary Diffraction (optional)
6. Fourier Optics
a.
Transforms
b.
Applications
7. Coherence Theory
a.
Basics
b.
Visibility
c.
Mutual Coherence Theory
8. Contemporary Optics
a.
Imaginery
b.
Lasers
c.
Holography
d.
Non Linear
V.
Suggested Experiments
1. Fresnel Coefficients
2. Standing Waves
3. Laser Beam Profile
4. Fourier Series
5. Discrete Fourier Transform
6. Polarized Light
7. Young’s Experiment
8. Newton’s Rings
9. Single Slit Diffraction
10. Fresnel Diffraction
11. FT and Diffraction
12,13,14 Halogram Project (3 weeks)
15. Spatial Filtering
3