Light and Beyond - Lecture 1: Introduction to Optics and Geometrical Principles

Explore the fascinating world of optics in this advanced undergraduate lecture from the "Light and Beyond" summer course. Delve into the importance of optics in science and technology, examining practical applications like X-ray crystallography and interferometric imaging. Discover the theoretical foundations of geometrical optics, including Fermat's principle and the law of refraction. Learn about historical contributions from figures like Heron of Alexandria and engage with concepts such as least path reflection and stationarity. Gain insights into how the principle of least time explains refraction, and participate in a Q&A session to deepen your understanding of these fundamental optical phenomena.

TIME: Sundays, 10:00 am - 11:00 am Lecture, 11:30 am - pm Tutorials / discussions
Light and Beyond Lecture 1
Don't take optics lightly!
Evidence that optics is important
Practical reasons
X-ray crystallography
Interferometric imaging
Theoretical reasons
Geometrical optics in action
Fermat - a man of principle
Heron of Alexandria 1-70 CE
Least path for reflection?
Stationarity
The law of refraction
Least time explains refraction
Q&A