Modern Optics

In the last 40 years there has been a total revolution in the field of optics and at the present time, the field of optics is one of the most rapidly changing and exciting fields in physics. Much of this progress was brought about by the invention of the laser in 1960 and the resulting power delivered to the hands of the experimenter. New optical materials and techniques are finding their way into all aspects of everyday life, be it the supermarket scanner, copying machine, compact disc player, or hologram. In the research laboratory optical devices, such as the laser, optical modulator, or the optical fibre, have become essential tools.

In this course on modern optics, you will get an overview of some of the changes and developments that are occurring in this exciting field. Because the laser has played a central part in these developments, the first part of the course deals with the basic workings of the laser. The discussion includes the interaction of radiation with matter, pumping processes, and the properties of laser light. A few practical applications of the laser are also discussed.

The remainder of the course looks at other areas of optics which have resulted from the development of the laser. Birefringence and optical activity are the basic physical processes used in the modulation of light and so are an essential component for current communication techniques. Equally important is the development of optical fibres for the fast and efficient transfer of information.

The biophysics students will receive a 11 lecture course much as shown below. Physics will get a couple of extra lectures at the end of coherent matter-light interactions.

Resources

In 2009 we will closely follow the structure of last year's course, although there is now a different number of lectures (ended up only being 11 this year). As we proceed through this year's course I will upload the new ones - if you are looking forward then you will similar lectures from last year. To stay within the University's size limits you will find the pictures and movies eliminated in some cases (5M).

Assignments: all to be handed in by due date by 5PM.

Assignment 1 2009: due on 25/9/09 at 4PM. Solutions

Assignment 2 2009: due on 14/10/09 at 4PM. Solutions

Assignment 3 2009: due on 23/10/09 at 4PM. Solutions

Previous Examinations

Here are some examples of previous exams which might be of some use for guiding you in your study. You will find the first page missing on each of these - this is replaced by the University cover sheet. I have also placed this year's coversheet here which might give you some clues! Unfortunately because of something funny the last page of each exam has come in a separate page (except for the latest 2007 exam) - I apologise for not being able to put them all in one file but I am sure it will be OK. The summary of what is examinable in the 2008 course can be found here.

2009 coversheet + 2009 first page

Powerpoint slides of lectures 1-13 by Andre Luiten in 2008.

Chapter 1: A walk through the History of Optics and Lasers 2008

PDFs of the lectures in 2009

Chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9&10, 13

Text Handouts (I will hand these out but they are available here if you miss them).

These were written a few years ago but form a more exhaustive summary of the material that is presented in a prettier form as ppt files above. In some cases there are lower-level explanations to be found in the powerpoint slides above so I guess you can choose to look at which section is better for you (or look at both).

Chapters 11-12 ********** not for examination this year - just for your interest.

Chapters 13-14