The first part of the module is in the area of physical optics. It is designed to develop an understanding of several topics on waves and physical optics, including interference, diffraction and polarisation. The second part of the module introduces the students to optical instrumentation, which includes the eye, cameras, microscopes and telescopes. The aims of the optics element of the module are to develop a conceptual and applied understanding of the phenomena of waves, and physical optics. In the optical instrumentation part of this module, the students will receive the basic physics and geometrical optics principles, which will lead to a good understanding of these instruments.
The laboratory practice will allow for hands-on operation of a variety of these types of instrumentation and reinforce the conceptual understanding. Other general aims include developing effective and efficient self-directed study skills, group skills, report writing skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills and laboratory skills
Optics
Waves- snapshot and history graphs . wavelength, period, displacement, amplitude, speed, phase and phase difference, wave superposition, reflection at a boundaries and discontinuities, coherence, coherence length, interference in thin films, thin film equation, Huygen’s Principle, Single slit, Young’s double slit experiment, diffraction grating. Michelson Interferometer,Fresnel and Fraunhofer Diffraction, Polarisation, Malus’s Law, polarising filter, Monochromator Spectrometer.
Optical Instrumentation
The eye. Electromagnetic spectrum- optical radiation,ultraviolet light, visible light, infrared. Black body radiation.The Sun. Spectral Output. Labelled diagram of the eye. Vision, photopic, scotopic. Colour. Rods and cones. Spectral sensitivity of the eye. Review of geometrical optics. Reflection specular, diffuse. Plane mirror image formation. Refraction.Snell’s law. Refractive index. Total internal reflection, critical angle. Application to prism binoculars. Dispersion of light through a prism. The mirror and lens equations, ray diagrams, image formation using lenses and mirrors, one and two lens arrangements,.The Lens Maker equation. Spherical and chromatic aberrations. Cameras. Basic components, image brightness, influence of effective aperture and focal length. Inverse square,law. f - numbers and exposure. Depth of field, depth of focus. Digital camera. Simple microscope (magnifying glass). Lateral and angular magnification. Compound microscope. Diagram for photomicrography. Refracting and reflecting telescopes. Astronomical and terrestrial. Hubble Telescope. Resolution of telescopes and microscopes. Rayleigh criterion. The wavelength limit.
Methods include lectures, laboratory practical work, discussion in class and laboratories; problem-solving exercises within class and homework; applets and web based video; computer-based calculations, modelling and ray tracing techniques; text books and programme notes provided on Brightspace; self-directed learning.
Recorded lectures and tutorials are available as screencasts.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 60 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 40 |