Course Description

Optics is the study of the vast array of phenomena associated with light. While certain properties of light were well understood much earlier, it was only after the development of electromagnetism in the 19th century that the a comprehensive theory of light could be developed. This classical theory of optics, describing light via waves, successfully explains phenomena as diverse as reflection, refraction, interference and diffraction.

The classical theory is poor for describing effects in which there are very low levels of light or for certain phenomena involving the interaction of light with matter. These can be explained by adapting quantum theory to describe light; understanding the operation of lasers is an example.

While the theories of optics arise from general curiosity about the world, the resulting ideas have have found widespread practical use. Lenses, mirrors, fiber optics, and lasers are used throughout our daily lives. Many measurements and sensing tools throughout the sciences use light as a probe and this has yielded some of the most precise scientific measurements.

Phys 473 will introduce you to the classical theory of optics, concentrating on wave descriptions, as well as many applications of wave and geometrical optics. The course will also offer a brief overview of the operation of lasers.

Course Number: PHYS 473

Instructor: Prof. David Collins, Physics

Contact Information:

Class Times: MWF 11:00am - 11:50am

Classroom: Wubben 366

First Class Meeting: Monday 17 August 2015

Prerequisites: PHYS 311

Texts: C. A. Bennett, Principles of Physical Optics, Wiley (2008).

Syllabus: Pdf Format

Syllabus

The following is subject to change.

  1. Electromagnetic waves.
  2. Reflection and refraction.
  3. Geometric optics.
  4. Interference and diffraction.
  5. Lasers.

Homework Assignments

Homework 1 Due: 19 Aug 2015
Homework 2 Due: 21 Aug 2015
Homework 3 Due: 24 Aug 2015
Homework 4 Due: 28 Aug 2015
Homework 5 Due:31 Aug 2015
Homework 6 Due: 4 Sept 2015
Homework 7 Due: 9 Sept 2015
Homework 8 Due: 11 Sept 2015
Homework 9 Due: 16 Sept 2015
Homework 10 Due: 18 Sept 2015
Homework 11 Due: 25 Sept 2015
Homework 12 Due: 30 Sept 2015
Homework 13 Due: 2 Oct 2015
Homework 14 Due: 5 Oct 2015
Homework 15 Due: 14 Oct 2015
Homework 16 Due: 16 Oct 2015
Homework 17 Due: 21 Oct 2015
Homework 18 Due: 23 Oct 2015
Homework 19 Due: 28 Oct 2015
Homework 20 Due: 30 Oct 2015
Homework 21 Due: 4 Nov 2015
Homework 22 Due: 11 Nov 2015
Homework 23 Due: 13 Nov 2015
Homework 24 Due: 20 Nov 2015
Homework 25 Due: 2 Dec 2015

Homework Solutions

Homework solutions are posted on the K drive. You can access these from any computer connected to the CMU network. The directory depends on your section number but can be found under K: -> PHYS473 -> 00X-YYYYY -> Share -> homework.

Exams

There will be two hour long exams during class on the following dates: Monday 21 September 2015 and Monday 9 November 2015. There will be a comprehensive final exam on Wednesday 9 December 2015.


Exams and solutions from the current semester.

These will be entered after the each exam has been graded.

Fall 2015
2015 Class exam 1
2015 Class exam 1: Solutions
2015 Class exam 2
2015 Class exam 2: Solutions


Supplementary Reading

There are many additional texts which are potentially suitable for this course. The following is a selection.

  1. Optics

    1. E. Hecht, Optics, Addison-Wesley (2016).

      Another standard undergraduate level text.

    2. M. Born and E. Wolf, Principles of Optics, Cambridge (1999).

      The bible of classical optics. Dense and mathematical but comprehensive.

    3. I. Kenyon, The Light Fantastic, Oxford (2008).

      Advanced undergraduate text. Many examples of modern applications of optics.

Links and Animations

  1. References
    1. Physlink Reference information and data, including decimal system notation, physical constants, math constants, astro-physical constants, etc,....
    2. Eric Weinstein's World of Physics Encyclopedia of Physics maintained by Wolfram Research. Entries at a variety of technical levels.
    3. Science and Engineering Encyclopedia: Physics Encyclopedia of Physics with a somewhat cumbersome interface. Includes conversion calculators.
    4. Periodic Table of Elements WebElements site.
    5. NIST Databases Administered by the National Institute for Standards and Technology. The final word in physical data. Intended for professionals.
  2. Animations
    1. Math and Physics Simulations. A great collection of excellent simulations from Paul Falstad.
    2. Activ Physics Large collection provided by Addisson Wesley.
    3. PhET University of Colorado PhET simulations.
    4. PSU Schuylkill Animations Provided by Michael Gallis, Penn State University Schuylkill.
  3. General Waves
    1. Waves on a String PhET, University of Colorado. Alternative link here.
    2. Rectangular Waves From Zona Land
    3. Sinusoidal Waves From Zona Land
    4. LIGO Official LIGO site
    5. Diffraction of Ocean Waves Satellite image of two small islands off Luderitz Bay, Namibia. (From Google Maps)
    6. Extrasolar Planets From California and Carnegie Planet Search.
    7. Standing Waves From Pascal Renault.
    8. Standing Waves From Paul Falstad.
  4. Electromagnetic Waves
    1. Linearly Polarized Electromagnetic Waves, from PSU Schuylkill.
    2. Linearly Polarized Electromagnetic Waves, from PSU Schuylkill.
    3. Circularly Polarized Electromagnetic Waves, from PSU Schuylkill.
  5. Optics
    1. Geometric Optics From PhET, The University of Colorado. Alternative link here.
    2. WebTop Optics Simulations From Mississippi State University.
    3. Newton's Rings From The University of Iowa.
    4. Air wedge interference From The University of Iowa.
    5. Wave Interference From PhET, The University of Colorado. Alternative link here.
    6. Two dimensional waves; ripple tank (From Paul Falstad) Best with IE.
    7. Diffraction of Ocean Waves Satellite image of two small islands off Luderitz Bay, Namibia. (From Google Maps)
    8. Single Slit Diffraction From Walter Fendt.
    9. Microwave Interference From The University of Iowa.
    10. Interference Fringes From Dietrich Zawischa, The University of Hannover.
    11. Interference in Nature From Peter Vukusic and Roy Sambles, The University of Exeter.
    12. Soap Film Interference Fringes From HyperPhysics, Georgia State University.
    13. Michelson Interferometer From The University of Iowa.
    14. Poisson spot From the University of Melbourne.
    15. Diffraction from circular aperture From PhilScience.
    16. Bending Light From PhET, The University of Colorado. Alternative link here.
  6. Lasers
    1. Lasers From PhET, The University of Colorado. Alternative link here.

This page is maintained by David Collins
Last modified: 18 August 2015