Physical Optics
Reference : www.optics.rochester.edu/classes/opt100/opt100page.html
Light is a Ray (Geometrical Optics)
A. General Properties of Light Rays B. Reflection and Refraction
C. Prisms and Dispersion
D. Images Formed by Light Rays Reflected and Refracted at Planar Interfaces E. Images Formed by Light Rays Reflected and Refracted at Curved Interfaces F. Thin Lenses
G. Ray Tracing Through More Complex Optical Systems H. Ray Aberrations
I. Optical Instruments Viewed by Eye
J . Ray Optics Description of a Waveguide — Trapping Light by TIR
Light is a Wave (Physical Optics) A. Wave Basics
B. Interference of Two Waves C. Interference in Thin Films
D. Interferometers E. Holography
F. Diffraction of Light G. Polarization of Light Light is a Photon (Quantum Optics)
A. Where Does Light Come From? — Sources of Light B. The Laser
C. How Do You Know Light is There? — Detecting Light
Course outline
Physical Optics - light is a wave
Maxwell’s Equations
Wave Equations
Huygen’s Principle
Each point on a wavefront acts as the source of a secondary wavelet,
and new wavefront is made up of the sum of all secondary wavelets.
Superposition of Harmonic Waves
Superposition of Waves with different wavelengths
: Beat frequency
Interference of two plane waves
Young’s Double-Slit Experiment
Thin film interference
Reflection and Transmission of Light Waves at a Dielectric Interface
: Stokes relation
