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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2006 - 2007

Module Title Wave Optics
Module Code PS307
School School of Physical Sciences

Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorProf John CostelloOffice NumberH305/N233
Module Co-ordinatorProf John CostelloOffice NumberH305
Level 3 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Module Aims
(i) To provide an appreciation of the fundamental concepts of wave optics.(ii) To illustrate the relevance of these concepts in modern applications of optics (iii) To develop numerical problem solving skills in wave optics

Learning Outcomes
(i) An ability to understand and express in mathematical terms the range of wave types of relevance in optics (ii) An ability to define the various states of polarisation and to describe means of generating them and manipulating them (iii) An appreciation of interference by division of wavefront and amplitude and its applications (iv) A detailed awareness of the various forms of diffraction and their impact on image formation (v) A grounding in Fourier optics/optical image processing and holography

Indicative Time Allowances
Hours
Lectures 0
Tutorials 0
Laboratories 0
Seminars 0
Independent Learning Time 75

Total 75
Placements
Assignments
NOTE
Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.

Indicative Syllabus
(i) Short Review of Waves:Light as a wave motion; plane waves, spherical waves; complex amplitude. (ii) Polarisation:Definition of states of Polarisation; Birefringence; Dichroism; Polarisers and Retarders; Polarisation by Reflection and Scattering; Induced Birefringence (Kerr Cell). (iii) Interference:Superposition and Two-beam Interference; Concept of Coherence; Interferometers (amplitude and wavefront-splitting); Michelson Interferometer and Applications; Multiple-beam Interference and Fabry-Perot Interferometer; AR-coatings, Interference Filters. (iv) Diffraction:Fraunhofer Diffraction (single, double, multiple slit); Circular Aperture and Spatial Resolving Power; Diffraction Gratings; Basic Fresnel Diffraction (Straight Edge, Slit & Zone Plate). (v) Fourier Optics:Spatial Frequency, Periodic and Non-Periodic Spatial Waves (Fourier series and Fourier transforms in optics), Point Spread and Modulation Transfer Functions (Principles & Applications), Convolution and De-Convolution (vi) Holography:Basic Idea, On & Off Axis, Gabor's Original Method, Reconstructing a Hologram
Assessment
Continuous Assessment20% Examination Weight80%
Indicative Reading List
1. Optics and Photonics by F Graham-Smith and T A King (Wiley, 2000) 2. Optics by E. Hecht (Addison Wesley, 2nd Edition, 1998) 3. Introduction to Modern Optics by G.R. Fowles (Dover Publications, 1989)
Programme or List of Programmes
APBSc in Applied Physics
BSSAStudy Abroad (DCU Business School)
BSSAOStudy Abroad (DCU Business School)
ECSAStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
ECSAOStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
HMSAStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
HMSAOStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
PFBSc in Physics with French
PGBSc in Physics with German
PHABSc in Physics with Astronomy
SHSAStudy Abroad (Science & Health)
SHSAOStudy Abroad (Science & Health)
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