Course overview
In this course, students will build basic knowledge of optics, lasers and their applications. To extend the students' experience in collecting, analysing and reporting experimental data; knowledge and understanding of a range of experimental equipment and techniques employed in experimental and applied physics; practical experience in Lasers and Optics. A course in advanced experimental work, under supervision, in the areas of Lasers and Optics. Experimental work is supported by resource sessions on each topic.
Lasers: Introduction, spectrometry, coherence and correlation, laser cavities, rate equations, laser systems and applications, homogeneous and inhomogeneous broadening, laser light properties and detection.
Optics: Review of basic optics, geometrical optics, optical instruments, polarisation, interference and diffraction, interferometry, spectrometers, optics and photonics in nature.
Course learning outcomes
- Identify and evaluate material relevant to the proposed optical experiments. (PO 4) (EA 2.1, 2.2)
- Justify a detailed investigative procedure for experiments in lasers and optics. (PO 7) (EA 3.2)
- Conduct experiments, make measurements, perform related computations and apply logical physical arguments in solving problems in Lasers and Optics. (PO 1, 4, 9) (EA 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4)
- Write scientific reports on experiments in a form suitable for publication and be able to discuss details of the experiments at a professional level. (PO 3, 7, 8) (EA 1.5, 1.6, 3.2, 3.6)
- Devise, construct and analyse the performance of a simple optical apparatus using their knowledge of optical components, lasers and their applications. (PO 1, 4) (EA 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2)
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