640-227 Optics (Advanced)

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

640-121 + 640-122 or 640-141 + 640-142; Mathematics 620-111 or 620-121 or 620-142.

Pre/corequisites

Mathematics 620-112 or 620-122 or 620-200 or 620-211 (before 1996: 618-102).

(For subjects completed prior to 1998, the Mathematics and Statistics departmental code 620- should be replaced by the superseded Mathematics departmental code 618-)

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject explores the nature and propagation of light through the use of a hierarchy of approximations, and the application of this knowledge to the design of optical instruments. The content includes: a review of the mathematics of wave motion; electromagnetic waves; propagation of light; geometrical optics; wave optics; interference; diffraction and modern applications.

Assessment

A 2-hour end-of-semester written examination plus tests and/or assignments, set during the semester, which may account for up to 20% of the final marks.

Prescribed Texts

• Hecht E, Optics. 2nd ed. Addison-Wesley.