Physics 408

Optics

Physics 408

Fall 2002

Contents

Course info and grading policy

Course schedule

Contact Information

Homework solutions

Exam solutions

Grade sheet

Other physics links

Course Info

Optics (Physics 408)
PHYS 107
Mon/Wed/Fri 0900 - 0950

Instructor:             Dr. Michael Hayden                                    TA:   Mr.
Office:                   PHYS 409     455-3199                                        PHY        5-xxxx
Office Hours:        anytime                                                             TBA

Overview

The purpose of this course is to present a survey of the field of optics. Optics is a broad and rapidly advancing field. Because it is so diverse, we will not be able to cover every topic of interest in the field; but rather, we will carefully develop the mathematical framework necessary to study different optical effects. After that development, we will examine a number of traditional topics in optics (diffraction, interference, Fourier optics) as well as some modern ones (laser theory and operation and guided wave theory).

Texts

Optics by E. Hecht, Fourth Edition, Addison-Wesley (1987). Hecht gives good explanations of the physical basis of many optical effects. We will follow this text in class generally in the order given. Deviations will be announced in advance so you may stay ahead in the reading.

Introduction to Optics by Pedrotti and Pedrotti, Third Edition, Prentice-Hall (1993). Same level as Hecht but without the breadth.

Modern Optics by Robert Gunther, John Wiley & Sons (1990). This book is highly mathematical and is sometimes used for introductory graduate level courses but has a more extensive treatment of recent optical devices and effects.

Principles of Optics by M. Born and E. Wolfe, Cambridge University Press (1999). Classic text. Everything is there is gory detail. Graduate level, difficult to read.

Grading

I consider homework to be very important. As a result, homework will constitute a major part of your grade. All homework must be completed and turned in by the start of class on the day it is due (generally 7 days after it is assigned). Late homework will not be accepted for any reason. Solutions will be handed out when the homework is handed in. Please read the solutions; they will assist you in your overall understanding of the course. Questions regarding the grading of the homework should be addressed to the TA first.

To be successful in this course, your goals should be to: remember the information presented in the lectures and text; gain an understanding of the underlying physics; be able to apply that knowledge and understanding to the solution of problems; and be able to explain the physical reason for the optical phenomena we will study. To support these goals, the tests will be designed to probe your understanding of the basic concepts through essay questions and specific theoretical/numerical problems.

There will be two midterms this semester, given on: Monday Oct 7 and Monday November 25.

The Final will be given from 10:30-12:30 on Thursday May 20.

There will be no make-up Midterms exams.

Your grade will be computed as follows:

Midterms 30% (15% for each)

Homework 40%

Final 30%

The following table is a rough estimate of the grading scale.

                        A          > 87%
                        B          75-87%
                        C          55-74%

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Course Schedule

Fall 2002

Week	Subject	Chapter
1	Intro; Waves	1,2
2	E&M Theory; Material Dispersion	3
3	Propagation	4
4	Geometric Optics;Waveguides	5, notes
5	Superposition	7
6	Polarization	8
7	Interference	9
8	Diffraction	10
9	Lasers	notes
10	Fourier Optics	11
11	Coherence	12
12	Modern Optics	13, notes
13
14