Applied Optics

About the course: This course provides an extensive exposure to the basics of classical optics. The course, in particular, discusses interference, diffraction, polarization, birefringence and optical activity and their applications in engineering in great detail. In addition, the basics of holography and lasers are also introduced.PRE-REQUISITES: Any 12 (in science stream) pass students can do this course. There is no prerequisite courses.INTENDED AUDIENCE: Undergraduate students.INDUSTRY SUPPORT: All of the optical industries such as Sterlite Technologies Limited, Finolex Cables Limited etc.

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.