This course in wave optics and introduction to photonics is intended for students in the Bachelor of Science in Physics program. It aims for a deep understanding of optical concepts, thus laying the foundation for more advanced courses and the use of optics in other aspects of physics. In particular, the introduction to photonics opens the door to quantum mechanics.
The course includes a quick review of concepts covered in the first-year general physics course. It establishes the wave equation and applies it to the case of optics. The propagation of light is studied according to Huygens' and Fermat's principles, including the passage through an interface between two media. Interferences between two waves are then studied, leading to the study of diffraction. The course then continues with the concept of black body and the problems raised in classical mechanics. An introduction to quantum mechanics is brought in to address these inconsistencies, and the concept of the photon is established.
Chapter I: Introduction
1) Geometric or wave optics
2) Huygens' Principle
3) Types of mechanical waves
4) Wave equation (1D)
5) Harmonic waves
6) Definitions
7) Phase and phase velocity
8) Superposition principle
9) Complex representation
10) Phasors
11) Plane waves
12) Wave equation (3D)
Chapter 2: Light Propagation
1) Rayleigh scattering
2) Huygens' Principle applied to reflection by a flat surface
3) Huygens' Principle applied to refraction by a flat surface
4) Fermat's Principle applied to reflection
5) Fermat's Principle applied to refraction
6) Generalization of Fermat's Principle
7) Explanation of mirages
8) Electromagnetic approach
9) Fresnel equations
10) Amplitude of coefficients
11) Brewster's angle
12) Total internal reflection phenomenon
13) Reflectance and transmittance
Chapter 3: Interference
1) Interference - superposition of waves (2D)
2) Superposition of waves with the same amplitude
3) Spatial and temporal coherence
4) Spatial and partially temporal coherence
5) Young's experiment
6) Two-beam interference
7) Michelson interferometer
Chapter 4: Diffraction
1) Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction
2) Combinations of coherent oscillators
3) Diffraction pattern by a single slit
4) Intensity of the diffraction pattern by a slit
Chapter 5: Photonics
1) Black body
2) Radiative equilibrium
3) Wien's law
4) Rayleigh-Jeans law
5) Phase space
6) Planck's law
7) Photoelectric effect
8) Photonic diffraction
9) Compton effect
10) The photon
Note: The exact table of contents is subject to change. The topics covered are listed above, but may not be presented in this precise order.
This course is complemented by practical work as part of a separate teaching unit (see General Physics Practical Work - SPHYB207).
The final exam is oral. The student receives 2 questions. These questions may possibly include a simple exercise (e.g., direct numerical application of the theory). The student prepares the answers (about 1/2 hour) and then presents their response orally. The evaluation focuses on the rigor of reasoning, understanding of the physical meaning of the results, and the presentation of results (graphs, numerical results, ...).
The slides presented in class will be made available online on Webcampus.
There is no syllabus for this course.
| Training | Study programme | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor in Physics | Standard | 0 | 2 | |
| Bachelor in Physics | Standard | 2 | 2 |