Module overview
After studying this course students should be able to:
- Describe the interaction of light with atoms
- Describe the interaction of light with solids (refractive index, non-linear optics)
- Give basic descriptions of the operation and uses of lasers and optical fibres
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- To be able to carry out experimental investigations in the area of optics and lasers, and prepare sensible lab reports
Disciplinary Specific Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- To be able to describe the connections between physics and technology that underlies many areas of laser physics and optical telecommunications
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- To be able to perform modest mathematical analysis of photonics-related problems
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Be aware of most of the important research areas of laser physics and modern optics.
Syllabus
1. Light and Optical properties of materials
Photons and Light
Optical Spectra of Atoms, Molecules, and Solids
Derivation (simple) of Einstein A and B coefficients
Refractive index, brief introduction to simple optics
Polarization properties of light
2. The Laser
Introduction to lasers
Simple rate equation modelling of: saturation, gain, amplifiers, three-level laser (with some additional ideas on Fabry-Perot etalons added)
Examples of types of lasers: HeNe, Nd:YAG, diode, Ti:Sapphire
Practical examples of the uses of lasers
3. Optical Fibres and Waveguides
Ray approach to fibre optics, extension to modes
Propagation of light in fibres
Applications, i.e. amplifiers, telecomm devices, etc.
4. Topics in Modern Optics
Non-linear optics: explanation of refractive index in terms of atomic polarizability, non-linear optics as anharmonicity of atomic polarizability, Quasi Phase Matching
Learning and Teaching
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 18 |
| Tutorial | 12 |
| Lecture | 36 |
| Completion of assessment task | 39 |
| Follow-up work | 18 |
| Wider reading or practice | 27 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Accompanying course notes will be available for students..
Textbooks
F L Pedrotti & L S Pedrotti (1992). Introduction to Optics. (P&P). Prentice Hall.
E. Hecht (2001). Optics. Harlow: Addison-Wesley.
R P Feynman (1971). Lectures in Physics. Addison Wesley.
R P Feynman (1990). The Strange Theory of Light & Matter. Penguin: QED.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Referral Method
By examination, the final mark will be calculated both with and without the coursework assessment mark carried forward, and the higher result taken
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| In-class Test | 25% |
| Problem Sheets | 36% |
| Laboratory | 39% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External