Learning Objectives

This course will provide an in-depth introduction to all aspects of light including geometric optics, wave optics, electromagnetic optics and quantum optics.

Course Content

Light as an electromagnetic (EM) phenomenon, Maxwell’s theory of EM waves, Plane wave and spherical wave solutions, Generation of EM waves, Electric dipole radiation – near and far fields, Spherical waves radiated by an electric dipole, Radiation by atomic transitions, Propagation of EM waves in an isotropic dielectric medium, TE and TM polarization, Fresnel coefficients for reflection and refraction at a dielectric interface, Normal and oblique incidence, Brewster’s angle, Total internal reflection, Evanescent waves, Thin films: matrix formalism & reflection-summation model, Anti-reflection coatings, Paraxial optics, Spherical aberrations, Paraxial Helmholtz equation, Propagation of Gaussian laser beam, Interference of light waves, Young's interferometer, Fabry-Perot interferometer, Polarization of light – linear, circular and elliptical, Propagation of EM waves in an anisotropic dielectric medium, Linear birefringence, Magneto-optic effects, Circular birefringence, Fourier transform and angular spectrum representation of optical fields, Focusing and imaging of optical far-fields, Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction, Lens as a Fourier transformer, Point-spread function of an imaging system, Vector light fields, Aplanatic lens system

Course Schedule

Lectures: Monday, 11 AM; Tuesday, 10 AM; Wednesday, 11 AM

Course Assessment

• Attendance & Two Quizzes: 30%
• Mid-semester Exam: 30%
• End-semester Exam: 40%

Last Updated: May 9, 2023