Instructor: Prof. Frank Zimmermann, Nanophysics Laboratory (NPL) 204, Tel: (732)445-5500 ext. 3153, e-mail: fmz at physics dot rutgers dot edu
Homework grader: Wenyuan Zhang (wzhang at physics dot rutgers dot edu
Textbook: Modern Optics, 2nd Edition, by G. R. Fowles, Dover Publications, New York, 1975, available from the bookstore.
Note: Corrections to Textbook
Study Guide with solved problems (optional): Schaum's Outline of Optics, by E. Hecht, Mc Graw-Hill, 1975.
Syllabus:
Nature and propagation of light
Maxwell's equations, wave equation
Electromagnetic waves
Doppler effect
Energy flow, Poynting vector
Polarization: linear, circular, elliptical
Jones calculus of polarization
Reflection and refraction at a plane boundary: Snell's law, Fresnel equations
Brewster's angle
Total internal reflection, evanescent wave, phase change in TIR
Reflection matrix
Linear superposition and interference
Interferometers
Partial coherence, visibility of fringes
Coherence time and coherence length
Coherence and line width
Multiple-beam interference
Fabry-Perot interferometer
Interference in multilayer films
Fraunhofer diffraction
Fresnel diffraction
Holography
Optics of solids, dielectrics, conducting media
Optics of anisotropic crystals, birefringence
Optical activity
Faraday rotation
Magneto-optics, electro-optics
Nonlinear optics
Photons
Momentum & angular momentum of photons
Blackbody radiation, Planck formula
Photoelectric effect
Spontaneous and stimulated emission
Amplification of light
lasers
Q-switching
mode locking
· Lectures: Mondays and Thursdays 10:20 AM - 11:40 AM, Science and Engineering Resource Center (SEC) 217, Busch Campus.
· Exams: There will be one midterm exam: Oct. 27, 2011 (in class, SEC 217) and a final exam Tuesday Dec 20, 2011: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM ( SEC 217). You will be allowed to bring a 8 x 11 inch formula sheet (both sides) with whatever information you choose to each exam, in addition to a hand held calculator. The final exam will be cumulative.
· Homework: Weekly homework assignments will be posted on the homework webpage on Thursdays, and will be due at the beginning of lecture on the following Thursday. They will typically consist of a number problems and reading assignments. Solutions will be posted after the homework is collected. Late homework will not normally be accepted.
Grading: Final grades will be based on the following elements
Class attendance and participation
In class mid-term exam --- nominally 30%
Final Exam --- nominally 40%
Weekly homework assignments --- nominally 30%
You may check your scores here.
Office Hours:
Frank Zimmermann: by arrangement
Students with Disabilities: If you have a disability, you are urged to speak to the course supervisor early in the semester to make the necessary arrangements to support a successful learning experience. Also, you must arrange for the course supervisor to receive a letter from your College's Disability Concerns Coordinator verifying that you have a disability. To find out how to do this, contact http://www.physics.rutgers.edu/ugrad/disabilities.html