Applied Optics

Week 1: Introduction of geometrical optics and ray theory, Fermat’s principle, refraction from single and double interfaces. Week 2: Matrix method in paraxial optics, thick and thin lenses, system of thin lenses, unit planes, nodal planes. Week 3: Concept of wavefront, introduction to polarization, linear, circular and elliptical polarization, Huygen’s principle and its applications. Week 4: Interference of light waves, Young’s double slit experiment, interference of polarized light, interference with white light, displacement of fringes, Fresnel’s biprism. Week 5: Interference by division of amplitude, thin parallel films, wedge shaped films, Newton’s rings, Michelson interferometer and its applications. Week 6: Concept of coherence, multiple beam interference, Fabry–Pérot interferometer and etalon. Week 7: Introduction to diffraction, Fraunhofer diffraction, single, double and multiple slit diffraction. Week 8: Diffraction grating, grating spectrum and resolving power, diffraction at a circular aperture, Fresnel diffraction. Week 9: Fresnel half period zones, vibration curve, the zone plates, diffraction at a straight edge, diffraction of a plane wave by a long narrow slit and transition to Fraunhofer region. Week 10: Phenomenon of double refraction, normal and oblique incidence, production of polarized light, Brewster’s law, Malus’s law. Week 11: Quarter and half wave plates, analysis of polarized light, optical activity. Week 12: Antireflection coatings, basics concepts of holography, basics concepts and ray optics considerations of optical fiber, introduction to lasers.