On completion of this subject the student should be able to:
1. Discuss the fundamentals of modern optics;
2. Understand the theories of coherence, diffraction and interference;
3. Explain reflection, refraction and polarization of light using Fresnel’s equations;
4. Discuss the processes of amplification of light;
5. Discuss the operation and performance of typical laser systems;
6. Describe the operation, performance and application of some optical devices.
The electromagnetic nature of light; The scalar wave equation and its solution; The complex wave function; Polarization of light; Fresnel’s equations for reflection and refraction of light at a plane boundary; Theory of coherence; Theory of multiple-beam interference; High-reflectance and antireflecting films; Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction theories; Laws of geometric optics; Introduction to holography and holographic interferometry; Spontaneous and stimulated emission of photons; Amplification of light in a medium; Methods of producing a population inversion, two, three and four level systems; Optical-resonator theory; Typical gas, solid state and semiconductor lasers; Tunable lasers; Applications of lasers; Optical modulation: magnetooptic and electrooptic effects; Photodetectors and light emitting diodes.
Guenther, R. D., Modern optics, Wiley, New York, USA, 1990.
Jones, K. A., Introduction to optical electronics, Harper and Row, New York, USA, 1987.
Watson, J., Optoelectronics, Van Nostrand Reinhold, Wokingham, UK, 1988.
Fowles, G. R., Introduction to modern optics, Holt, Rinehard and Winston, New York, USA, 1968.
Continuous assessment 40%
Written examination 60% (1×3 hrs.)
Phone: +675 473 4999 Fax: +675 475 7776
