This module deals with several aspects of optics, and in particular the applications of optics. There is a particular concentration on Fibre Optics, Physical Optics, Polarisation of Light, and Light Sources and Detectors (which focuses largely on lasers and their applications).
Introductory topics in Geometrical Optics
n/a
Propagation of Light
Reflectance and transmittance coefficents
Fibre optics
Guiding of light, Numerical Aperture, and fibre modes. Application of fibres totelecommunications - the reasons why. Attenuation in fibres. Dispersion in fibres. Applicationsof fibres in sensors. Testing of fibres using OTDR
Physical Optics
Conditions for observation of useful interference patterns. The Michelson interferometer. Otheramplitude-splitting interferometers (Mach-Zender, Rotating Sagnac interferometer and FibreGyroscopes, Twyman-Green). Interference in thin films. Wedged thin films. Interferencecoatings. Diffraction.
Polarisation of Light
Linear, circular and elliptical polarisation. Birefringent materials. Half-wave and quarter waveplates. Applications of wave plates. Optical activity and applications. Photoelasticity.Applications of electro-optic materials. Applications of Faraday materials.
light sources and dectors
Lamps. Units of light. Laser action and properties of laser light. Population inversion, gain andloss and optical feedback in lasers. Laser modes. Types of lasers: helium-neon, carbondioxide, semiconductor. Fibre lasers/amplifiers. Applications of lasers.
Labaratory experiemnts relevant to the module
Michelson Interferometer, including the interpretation of interference patterns.• Polarisation rotation experiment, with different material included and demonstration of opticalisolation.• Optical fibre measurements – measurement of attenuation.• Laser based experiment – identification of modes. LI curve of laser diode.
The module will be delivered through 14 lectures, 20 hours of Practice Laboratory (of which 10 hours will be supervised), and laboratory work. The Practice Laboratory will involve five four-hour sessions. Each of the Practice Laboratory sessions will have defined problem sets, and/or practical demonstrations, and will include student work which will comprise the continuous assessment aspect of the module
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 30 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 70 |