Intermediate Optics

Catalog description

Geometrical and physical optics: theory of lens systems, aberrations, apertures, interference, diffraction, polarization. PHYS 458 Intermediate Optics (4) An intermediate optics course which builds on the wave and optics used in the 200-level introductory course, this course (which includes a lab component) focuses on physical and geometrical optics, propagation of light and its interaction with matter, polarization, interference, and diffraction. Optical components such as lenses, mirrors, prisms, fiber optics, spectrometers, and interferometers are discussed and employed. The laboratory component includes a number of 1-2 period experiments designed to illustrate the principles of applied geometrical and physical optics. Longer (5 period) experiments are also included which utilize modern, computer-controlled multi-channel detection systems and are applied to such systems as thin-film optics and the optics of semi-conductors.