Course overview
This course provides students with a working knowledge of optics and photonics, including wave optics, physical optics and introductory laser physics. It also provides a basis for further study in photonics. Wave optics content: solutions of the wave equation, including Hermite-Gaussian laser modes, optical cavities, Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction integrals; Fourier optics; Array Theorem; amplitude and phase spatial filtering. Physical optics content: Fresnel equations; Lorentz electron oscillator model and dispersion, polarisation, birefringence and applications; optical activity; Faraday effect. Laser physics content: laser resonators; Einstein coefficients; stimulated amplification of light; laser oscillators; mode control; overview of some real lasers.
Course learning outcomes
- define and explain the propagation of light in conducting and non-conducting media
- define and explain the physics governing laser behaviour and light matter interaction
- apply wave optics and diffraction theory to a range of problems
- apply the principles of atomic physics to materials used in optics and photonics
- calculate the properties of various lasers and the propagation of laser beams
- calculate properties of and design modern optical fibres and photonic crystals
- use the tools, methodologies, language and conventions of physics to test and communicate ideas and explanations