PHYSICAL OPTICS (PHY 325.001)-Spring Semester, 2008

Text:

Grant Fowles, Introduction to Modern Optics

Lecture Meets at:

TBD

Laboratory meeting time TBD

Prerequisites:

PHY 162 and MAT 192.

Instructor:

Dr. Randall D. Peters

Office:

SEB 206, Phone: 301-2747

Office hours:

MWF 8:15-8:45, T 8:15-8:45, or by appointment

e-mail:

peters_rd@mercer.edu

personal homepage:

http://physics.mercer.edu/hpage/peters.html

physics department homepage:

http://physics.mercer.edu

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This course is concerned with optics that depends on the electromagnetic nature of light.

                     Expectations
Incoming-Students should already have mastered:
(i) basic skills in communicating the concepts of physics, both written and verbal,
(ii) certain tools of mathematics, such as elementary differential and integral calculus necessary for the treatment of electromagnetic phenomena,
Outgoing-By the end of this course, the student should be able to:
(i) describe wave phenomena and interference, both by trigonometric and complex phasor methods,
(ii) distinguish among properties of light that depend on polarization state,
(iii) understand features of coherence that yield marked differences between conventional and laser sources,
(iv) utilize some common and powerful mathematical transform techniques (such as the Fast Fourier Transform) to develop conceptual understanding of diffraction and applied techniques of ``optical computing'',

Wave Equations
Superposition of waves
Interference of Light
Optical Interferometry
Coherence
Holography
Matrix treatment of Polarization
Production of Polarized Light
Fraunhofer Diffraction
Diffraction Grating
Laser Basics
Laser Applications
Fiber Optics
Fourier Optics
Nonlinear Optics

Final Exam: Thursday, 1 May, 9 - 12.

Grading Scale: 60-D-70-C-80-B-90-A-100
(based on: Lab-1/4, Homework-1/4, Midterm-1/4, and Final-1/4)
 

Policies

• I don't have a formal attendance policy-be forewarned, however, that students with more than an occasional absence usually do poorly.
• Quizzes and exams may be made-up if the student has an official excuse. There is no extra-credit work.
• The College of Liberal Arts academic misconduct policy will be followed.
• Any student who receives failing grades during the course is urged to meet with the instructor to consider corrective measures.
• If you have a problem of any kind, my door is open to you. (If your schedule should be in conflict with my office hours, then attempt to arrange an appointment either: (i) during class, or (ii) by a chance meeting using the information posted on my door.)
  
• Class Etiquette: You are expected to conduct yourself in a manner that is respectful of your fellow classmates and the instructor.  Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the class.
• Cell phones and Pagers: Out of courtesy for all those participating in the learning experience, all cell phones and pagers must be turned off before entering any classroom, lab, or formal academic or performance event.
• Documented Disability Statement: Students with a documented disability should inform the instructor at the close of the first class meeting. The instructor will refer you to the
  office of Student Support Services (SSS) for consultation regarding evaluation, documentation of your disability, and recommendations for accommodation, if needed. Students
  will receive from SSS the Faculty Accommodation Form. On this form SSS will identify reasonable accommodations for this class. The form must be given to the course
  instructor for signature and then returned to SSS. To take full advantage of disability services it is recommended that students contact SSS
  immediately. The office is located on the third floor of the Connell Student Center.