PHY227   Optics   (10 credits)

Description

This module covers the physical origin of the properties of light, how we may manipulate them to our advantage and some of the intrinsic optical properties of matter. We begin with an extensive investigation of geometric optics. Numerous applications in microscopy, astronomy, photography and fibre optics will be outlined. In the second part of the module, wave-like description of light will be introduced. Interference and diffraction phenomena will be treated, with the emphasis on far-field Fraunhofer diffraction. Again, many applications to real system are highlighted, from radars to optical spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, exploiting a wide range of frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum. Finally, polarisation of light will be considered, including linearly, circularly, and elliptically polarised and natural light. Polarisation optics elements will be considered including linear polarisers, quarter- and half-wave plates.

Reading List