This course introduces the fundamental concepts of both geometrical optics and wave optics, through a series of about 10 experiments. These concepts include interference, diffraction, polarization, and spectroscopy, and these are demonstrated using both coherent light sources (lasers) and incoherent sources. A laboratory manual is provided which gives an in-depth theoretical description of each experiment; the study of the theory behind each experiment is a necessary prerequisite for the correct execution and understanding of the experiments. This course is aimed at second-year students. Attendance is mandatory.
Section A: Tuesday 12:00-16:00
Section B: Tuesday 12:00-16:00
Geometrical optics, thins lenses – propagation through matter, refractive index – optical cavities – polarization of light – diffraction gratings – Fraunhofer diffraction – optical activity – Fresnel diffraction, microwave diffraction – emission spectroscopy
1. Hecht, Optics, Addison Wesley
2. Anastasakis, Modern Experimental Optics, Press of the National Technical University of Athens.
3. Fowles G. R. Introduction to Modern Optics, Dover
4. Introduction to Optics, 2nd edition, Frank L. Pedrotti and Leno S. Pedrotti (Prentice Hall) 1996.
