Lecture description
The course introduces classical models of optical phenomena that are central to modern technologies. It begins with ray optics to treat systems composed of discrete optical elements and extend the approach to continuously varying inhomogeneous media using the ray equation. Scalar wave optics is used to treat interference and diffraction phenomena, and to develop the formalism of Fourier optics, whin which a variety of imaging applications is explored.
Next, Maxwell’s equations and electromagnetic wave optics are used to describe the propagation of polarised light in media and across interfaces, including dielectric layers and waveguides. The interaction of light with resonant optical cavities is presented, as are Gaussian beams in preparation for a description of lasers. Laser emission and optical gain are modeled using Einstein’s rate equations and the conditions for steady-state laser operation are obtained.
Finally, the course introduces nonlinear optics, a field enabled by the emergence of high-intensity coherent optical lasers.
The corresponding exercise session is designed to give practical examples and reinforce principles introduced in the lecture.
