PH4035 Principles of Optics

Academic year

2023 to 2024 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Not automatically available to General Degree students

Module coordinator

Prof G A Turnbull

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module formulates the main aspects of physics used in modern optics, lasers and optoelectronic systems. Topics covered include: polarised light and its manipulation, with descriptions in terms of Jones' vectors and matrices; Fresnel's equations for transmittance and reflectance at plane dielectric interfaces; reflection and transmission of multi-layer thin films plus their use in interference filters; interpretation of diffraction patterns in terms of Fourier theory; spatial filters; the theory and use of Fabry-Perot etalons; laser cavities and Gaussian beams.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS PH3081 OR PASS PH3082 OR ( PASS MT2506 AND PASS MT2507 )

Assessment pattern

2-hour Written Examination = 75%, Coursework = 25%

Re-assessment

Oral Re-assessment, capped at grade 7

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

3 lectures or tutorials.

Scheduled learning hours

30

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

120

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Additional information from school

To be confirmed