Students wishing to take Modern Optics should have taken Electromagnetism & Optics or the appropriate equivalent.
Module will run
Occurrence
Teaching period
A
Spring Term 2021-22
Module aims
This course will introduce the modern optics beginning with a description electromagnetic radiation and the use of Fourier techniques to describe optical systems. A central theme is a description of phase and coherence that enables a discussion of applications of modern optics including interference, diffraction and polarisation, by introducing interferometers, interference in multilayer films, diffracting gratings, holography, and confocal microscope.
Module learning outcomes
Qualitatively describe the Hungens-Fresnel principle and Kirchhoff diffraction theory
Qualitatively describe the diffraction pattern using Fourier techniques
Understand the principle of interferometers; be able to determine interference - fringes.
Understand the principle of antireflection coating; be able to design and analyse multi-layer antireflection systems.
Understand the principal of a cavity and be able to describe the operation of a Fabry-Perot interferometer
Understand the Gabor’s analytical method of holography; determine configurations of formation and reconstruction of a hologram
Understand principle of diffraction grating; determine diffraction patterns, resolving - power, and spectrums by diffraction gratings.
Module content
Syllabus
Kirchhoff Diffraction theory (7 lectures)
Hungens-Fresnel principle
Kirchhoff diffraction theory
Diffraction - Fresnel and Fraunhofer approximations
Fraunhofer diffraction from various apertures
Fresnel diffraction from various apertures
Fresnel zone plates
Interferometry (6 lectures)
Mirrored interferometers
Multi-beam interference
Antireflection coating
high-reflection coating
Radar Interferometry
The Fabry-Perot interferometer
Holography (2 lectures)
Gabor’s analytical method: recording amplitude and phase
Reconstruction of the original wave front
Image formation by holography
Diffraction gratings: (2 lectures)
N-slit diffraction
Grating spectrometers
Confocal and phase contrast microscopes: (1 lectures)
Basic concept
Variants and resolution
Indicative assessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework Modern Optics Assignment 1
N/A
40
Essay/coursework Modern Optics Assignment 2
N/A
60
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework Modern Optics Assignment 1
N/A
40
Essay/coursework Modern Optics Assignment 2
N/A
60
Module feedback
Our policy on how you receive feedback for formative and summative purposes is contained in our Department Handbook.
Indicative reading
Born, Max and Emil Wolf, Principles of Optics
Haken H and Wolf H C: The Physics of Atoms and Quanta (Springer).
Hawkes J and Latimer I: Lasers: Theory and Practice (Prentice-Hall).
Hecht, Eugene, Optics
Smith, F Graham, Terry A King and Dan Wilkins Optics and Photonics: An Introduction