Admission requirements
MSc Physics: None
MSc Chemistry/Astronomy/CompSci/Math HTI: optics, classical electrodynamics and Fourier transforms.
Description
This course explores distinct categories of high-tech optical instrumentation. For each technology, we will examine its design, operating principles, practical applications, the underlying physical mechanisms, and the fundamental performance limits dictated by physics. We will also investigate advanced strategies for overcoming these limitations.
To enable a thorough understanding of these instruments, the course will cover key topics including electromagnetic radiation, polarization, diffraction, interference, Gaussian beam optics, phase singularities, photon statistics, and contemporary optical design techniques.
Course objectives
Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
Analyze the operating principles of advanced optical instruments based on physical concepts such as diffraction, interference, polarization, and Gaussian beam propagation;
Evaluate the performance limits of optical instruments as dictated by fundamental physics, and assess methods to mitigate these limits;
Identify the applications and technological relevance of different optical instruments in research and industry within a limited timeframe;
Interpret and critically assess scientific literature related to modern optical instrumentation and present the key findings to peers;
Communicate technical content clearly and persuasively to both specialized and general audiences.
Schedule
The timetables are available through My Timetable (see the button in the upper right corner).
Teaching method
Interactive lectures based on lecture notes and exercises that include (group) presentations, self-study and discussions. Attendance of these interactive lectures is compulsory.
For more information see Brightspace
Assesment method
Oral examination.
The date and time of the oral exam will be communicated during the course. The number of available timeslots will depend on the number of participants in the course.
Resit, review & feedback
Examinations are held twice during the academic year for each component offered in that academic year. Midterm tests cannot be retaken. The Board of Examiners determines the manner of resit for practical assignments.
For review and feedback, see Brightspace.
Reading list
Lecture notes will be provided as well as weekly exercise sheets. We expect students to have read the relevant sections of the lecture notes and prepare a solution to the exercises. These materials will be discussed in class.
Optional (reference for prior knowledge) J. Peatross and M. Ware, ‘Physics of Light and Optics’, ISBN 9781611660920. Also available in cheaper black-and-white version and as free download: https://optics.byu.edu/docs/opticsBook.pdf
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap (button in upper right corner) is mandatory. General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer(s) (listed in the right information bar).
Remarks
Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.