Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2020 - 2021

Module Title
Module Code
School
Online Module Resources
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This module provides a general introduction to the properties of light, geometrical optics, optical instruments, interference & diffraction and an introduction to lasers.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe and discuss qualitatively the main physical concepts in the area of Light and Optics.
2. Solve basic problems on light and geometrical optics.
3. Be able to describe how the physics behind various types of optical instruments work.
4. Describe qualitatively and complete quantitative problems involving the concepts of interference and diffraction of light.
5. Describe qualitatively basic principles of lasers and laser operation.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	20	Lecture
Tutorial	10	Tutorial
Independent Study	95	Independent learning
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Light & Optics
Nature & propagation of light Geometrical optics Optical fibres Optical instruments Interference Diffraction

Nature & propagation of light
Light as a wave. Reflection & refraction. Total internal reflection. Dispersion & scattering of light.

Geometric optics
Reflection at a plane and curved spherical mirror. Refraction at a spherical surface. Converging and diverging lenses. Microscopes and telescopes.

Optical fibres
Light transmission in optical fibres. Use for data communications. Medical applications of optical fibres.

Optical instruments
Microscopes and telescopes

Interference & diffraction
Constructive and destructive interference. Interference patterns from two sources. Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction

Introduction to Lasers
Absorbtion, spontaneous and stimulated emission. Population inversion and gain. Optical cavities, feedback and oscillation. Laser safety. Laser applications.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	%	Examination Weight	%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Young & Freedman: 2020, University Physics with Modern Physics, 15 (or older edition), 33-36, Pearson, https://www.pearson.com/us/higher-education/program/Young-Modified-Mastering-Physics-with-Pearson-e-Text-Standalone-Access-Card-for-University-Physics-with-Modern-Physics-15th-Edition/PGM2485469.html,
Eugenia Etkina, Gorazd Planinsic and Alan Van Heuvelen: 2019, College Physics: Explore and Apply, 2, Pearson, 978-013460182
0: Mastering Physics without Pearson eText -- Instant Access -- for University Physics with Modern Physics, 15, https://www.pearsonmylabandmastering.com/northamerica/masteringphysics/,

Other Resources

40191, Online simulations, University of Colorado Boulder, 0, Phet simulations, https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/,

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