Module Co-ordinator: TKouloukas@lincoln.ac.uk (Dr Theodoros Kouloukas)
Course Components
- Coursework Assignment (10%)
- Cengage Numerical Assignment x4 (15%)
- In-Class Assessment (25%)
- Final Exams (50%)
Current percentage (rounded up): 88%
Learning Outcomes
- LO1 Mathematically solve simple problems of optics.
- LO2 Construct multi-step solutions of problems of optics.
- LO3 Formulate main laws of optics.
Summary Content
Geometrical Optics Summary Notes - created closely alongside practical session solutions. Geometrical Optics Summary Questions - created from all questions given by the lecturer. Geometrical Optics Practice Tests - created by extrapolating question style into novel content.
Flashcards
Geometrical Optics Flashcards (Anki) - created during lectures. Geometrical Optics Flashcards (Physical) - refined flashcards for long-time revision.
Notes
1. Fundamental Concepts of Optics
1.1 Introduction to Optics
- Nature of Light: Exploration of light as a physical phenomenon, its properties and behaviours.
- Optical Phenomena: Basic optical phenomena such as reflection, refraction, and dispersion.
1.2 Light and Geometric Optics
- Laws of Reflection and Refraction: Understanding the basic laws that govern the behaviour of light.
- Snell’s Law: Detailed study of refraction and the principles governing it.
- Critical Angle and Total Internal Reflection: Concepts of critical angle and conditions for total internal reflection.
2. Lenses and Mirrors
2.1 Lenses
- Types of Lenses: Distinguishing between converging and diverging lenses and their properties.
- Lens Formula and Magnification: Mathematical description of lens behaviour and image formation.
- Thin Lens Approximation: Simplifications and assumptions in the analysis of thin lenses.
2.2 Mirrors
- Types of Mirrors: Characteristics of flat, concave, and convex mirrors.
- Mirror Formula: Relationship between object distance, image distance, and focal length.
- Image Formation by Mirrors: Principles governing how images are formed by various mirrors.
3. Advanced Optical Instruments
3.1 Microscopes and Telescopes
- Geometrical Optics in Microscope Design: Detailed study of the microscope’s structure and its magnification capabilities.
- Telescope Types and Operations: Exploration of different types of telescopes and their operational principles.
3.2 Cameras and Projectors
- Camera Optics: Understanding how cameras use lenses to form images.
- Projectors and Their Mechanisms: Principles behind the operation of projectors.
4. Wave Optics
4.1 Interference and Diffraction
- Interference of Light: Phenomena resulting from the superposition of light waves.
- Diffraction Principles: Understanding how light waves bend around obstacles and openings.
4.2 Polarization
- Polarization of Light: Study of light wave orientation and methods to achieve and measure polarization.
- Applications of Polarization: Practical uses of polarization in various optical technologies.
5. Modern Optics and Applications
5.1 Fibre Optics and Lasers
- Fibre Optic Technology: Principles and applications of light transmission through fibre optics.
- Laser Operation and Uses: Understanding how lasers work and their diverse applications.
5.2 Photonic Devices
- Principles of Photonic Devices: Exploration of devices that use light to perform various functions.
- Applications in Communication and Computing (Photonic Technology): Use of photonic technology in modern communication and computing.