Course Description
This course covers all aspects of wave phenomena and geometrical optics, with an emphasis on theory and practical applications. Wave motion, reflection, refraction, polarization, geometrical optics such as lenses, mirrors, prisms, fiber optics, and physical optics like interference, diffraction, lasers are among the topics covered. Students will investigate fundamental ideas using theory, mathematical modeling, laboratory experiments, and ICT-based simulations. Fiber optics, imaging, holography, and laser technology are some of its applications.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Describe wave motion, superposition, and the electromagnetic theory of light.
- Apply geometrical optics to examine optical systems including lenses, mirrors, prisms, and fiber optics.
- Describe and forecast optical phenomena including interference, diffraction, and polarization.
- Utilize mathematical methods such as phasors, Fourier analysis to simulate wave behavior and optical effects.
- Analyze and evaluate laboratory experiments on optical devices and wave phenomena.
- Investigate the uses of optics in lasers, holography, fiber communications, and imaging.
Required Material:
- Eugen Hucht, Optics, 4th Edition, Pearson/Adelphi University.
- Wesley 1301. Robert Guenither – Mordern Optis John Wiley and Sons, Inc. John Beynon, Introductory
- University Optics: First Published 1996 by Prentice Hall Europe.
- High School Physics Lab Manual, Student Version.
- The Physics of Vibrations and Waves, by J. Pain, Wiley, (6th edition) (2005).
- Vibrations and Waves, by P. French, CBS Publishers (2003).
- Laboratory equipment: Lenses, mirrors, prisms, fiber optics, diffraction gratings, lasers, ripple tank, sound apparatus.
- Software/ICT: PhET simulations, Crocodile Physics, Interactive Physics, Algodoo.
- Standard classroom tools: graph paper, calculators, lab notebooks.
