| Lec # | Topics | KEY DATES |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Course Overview Description of Content, Expectations and Requirements, Grading Policy, Exams, etc Basics Review of Properties of E&M Waves, Amplitude, Intensity, Phase, Polarization and Coherence | |
| 2 | Wave Equation, Plane and Spherical Wave Solutions, Linear, Circular and Elliptical Polarization, Quarter and Halfwave Plates In-class Demo: Polarizers, Magic Sheet | Problem set 1 out |
| 3 | Reflection, Refraction, Snell's Law, Critical Angle, Brewster's Angle, Reflection and Transmission Coefficients | |
| 4 | Geometric Optics, Ray-matrix Methods, Microscopes, Telescopes, Lens Waveguide In-class Demo: Newtonian and Cassegrain Telescopes | Problem set 1 due Problem set 2 out |
| Begin Lab 1 Safety, Polarization States, Dielectric Reflection, Geometric Optics | ||
| 5 | Interferometry Temporal and Spatial Coherence, Two-beam Interferometers (Michelson and Mach-Zehnder) | |
| 6 | Multiple-beam Interference, Finesse, Dielectric Mirrors, Fabry-Perot and Lummer-Gehrcke Interferometers, Antireflection Coatings, Dielectric Mirrors, Interference Filters In-class Demo: Soap Films, Dielectric Mirrors, Interference Filters | Problem set 2 due Problem set 3 out |
| Begin Lab 2 Haidinger Interference Fringes (Thin Glass Sides), Two-beam and Multiple-beam Interferometers | ||
| 7 | Diffraction Scalar Diffraction Theory, Free-space Propagation, Spatial Frequency, Fresnel Diffraction Formula | |
| 8 | Fraunhofer Approximation, Examples, Diffraction-based Light Modulators In-class Demo: MEMS Deformable Mirror System | Problem set 3 due Problem set 4 out |
| Begin Lab 3 Fresnel and Fraunhofer Diffraction from Various Apertures and Objects | ||
| 9 | Holography Transmission Holography, Image Separation Conditions, Real and Virtual Images, Phase-conjugate Waves | |
| 10 | Reflection Holography, Recording Media, Effects of Recording Medium Resolution, Computer-generated Holograms, Real-time Holography In-class Demo: Transmission, White Light and CGHs | Problem set 4 due Problem set 5 out |
| Begin Lab 4 Viewing, Analyzing and Fabricating Transmission and Reflection Holograms | ||
| 11 | Light Modulators Electro-optic Light Modulation, Birefringence, Index Ellipsoid, Pockels and Kerr Effect, Electro-optic Tensor, Longitudinal and Transverse Electro-optic Modulators In-class Demo: Calcite Crystal, Stressed Plexiglass | |
| 12 | Longitudinal and Transverse Electro-optic Modulators | Problem set 5 due Problem set 6 out |
| Quiz 1 (Open Book) | ||
| 13 | Raman-Nath and Bragg Acousto-optic Light Modulation, Acousto-optic Signal Processors In-class Demo: Bragg Cell | |
| 14 | Photorefractive Effect, Liquid Crystal Light Modulation, Digital and Membrane-mirror Modulators and Displays In-class Demo: LCD cell | Problem set 6 due Problem set 7 out |
| Begin Lab 5 Electro-optic and Acousto-optic Light Modulation Cells, Photorefraction in a BaTiO3 Crystal | ||
| 15 | Lasers Laser Principles, Spontaneous and Stimulated Emission, Rate Equations, Oscillation Frequencies In-class Demo: He laser, Visible Diode Lasers | |
| 16 | Scanning F-P Spectrometer, Output Power, Optical Amplifiers, Resonators, Specific Lasers In-class Demo: Scanning F-P | Problem set 7 due |
| Begin Lab 6 He-Ne, CO2, Yag:Nd, and Diode Lasers, Longitudinal Modes with Scanning F-P Spectrometer | ||
| 17 | Optical Waveguides Step-index Parallel-plate Optical Waveguide, Modes (Ray-optics Method), Modes In-class Demo: Fiber Samples | Problem set 8 out |
| 18 | Types of Dispersion, Bit Rate, Optical Fibers | Problem set 8 due |
| Begin Lab 7 | ||
| 19 | Optical Processors Fourier Optics, Fourier Transforming Property of Lenses, Classical Two-lens Processor | Problem set 9 out |
| Begin Projects | ||
| Quiz 2 (Open Book) | ||
| 20 | Vander Lugt Filter, Matched Filters, JTC, Polychromatic Processors In-class Demo: CTLP | Problem set 9 due |
| 21 | Photodetectors Thermal and Quantum Detectors and their Characteristics, Responsivity, NEP, D* | |
| 22 | Noise Types, Specific Detectors (Bolometer, PMT, Photodiode, Avalanche PD, etc) In-class Demo: Photodiode, PMT | |
| 23 | Nonlinear Optics Nonlinear Index, SHG, Parametric Conversion, Phase Matching, Examples In-class Demo: SHG with Nd-YAG Laser and ADP Crystal | |
| 24 | Laboratory Project Presentations |