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PHY306Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Optics II

This course explores the wave nature of light through the phenomena of interference and diffraction. It covers interference by division of wavefront and amplitude, interferometry techniques using Michelson and Fabry-Perot interferometers, and Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction patterns. Students will learn about diffraction gratings, resolution limits of optical instruments, and methods to improve resolution. The course emphasizes practical applications and problem-solving in optics.

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91h
Study Time
13
Weeks
7h
Per Week
intermediate
Math Level
Course Keywords
InterferenceDiffractionInterferometryFresnelFraunhofer

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📊
Math Level
Moderate Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Interference of Light

2

Diffraction of Light

3

Michelson Interferometer

4

Fabry-Perot Interferometer

5

Fresnel Diffraction

6

Fraunhofer Diffraction

7

Diffraction Grating

8

Resolving Power of Optical Instruments

Total Topics8 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

PHY101

PHY202

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Optical Engineer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Laser Technician

Apply your skills in this growing field

Spectroscopist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Telecommunications Engineer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

TelecommunicationsMedical ImagingAstronomyManufacturingResearch and Development

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Interference by Division of Wavefront

2h

Unit 1: Interference by Division of Wavefront

2 study hours
  • •Review wave motion fundamentals: simple harmonic motion, displacement, velocity, acceleration, periodic time, amplitude, and phase.
  • •Solve problems related to wave motion equations and parameters.
  • •Understand the principle of superposition and its application to interference.
  • •Study the superposition of two waves of the same frequency with a constant phase difference.
Week
2

Module 1: Interference by Division of Wavefront

2h

Unit 1: Interference by Division of Wavefront

2 study hours
  • •Analyze Young's double-slit experiment: describe the origins of the interference pattern, intensity distribution, and fringe width.
  • •Solve problems related to fringe width and wavelength calculations.
  • •Study Fresnel's Biprism and other arrangements for producing interference by division of wavefront.
  • •Compare and contrast Biprism and Lloyd's mirror fringes.
Week
3

Module 2: Interference by Division of Amplitude

2h

Unit 2: Interference by Division of Amplitude

2 study hours
  • •Understand Stokes' analysis of phase change on reflection.
  • •Prove that when a light wave is reflected at the surface of an optically denser medium, it suffers a phase change of π.
  • •Describe the origin of the interference pattern produced by a thin film.
  • •Study the formation, shape, and location of interference fringes obtained from a thin wedge-shaped film.
Week
4

Module 2: Interference by Division of Amplitude

2h

Unit 2: Interference by Division of Amplitude

2 study hours
  • •Describe how Newton's rings are used to determine the wavelength of light.
  • •Explain why a thin coating of a suitable substance minimizes the reflection of light from a glass surface.
  • •Distinguish between fringes of equal inclination and fringes of equal thickness.
  • •Solve problems related to interference in thin films and Newton's rings.
Week
5

Module 3: Interferometry

2h

Unit 3: Interferometry

2 study hours
  • •Understand how the Michelson interferometer produces different types of fringes: circular, localized (or straight), and white light fringes.
  • •Study the construction and working principle of the Michelson interferometer.
  • •Describe a few applications of the Michelson interferometer.
  • •Solve problems related to the Michelson interferometer.
Week
6

Module 3: Interferometry

2h

Unit 3: Interferometry

2 study hours
  • •Relate the intensity of the transmitted light to the reflectance of the plate surface in the Fabry-Perot interferometer.
  • •Understand the difference between the Michelson interferometer and the Fabry-Perot interferometer.
  • •Study the construction and working principle of the Fabry-Perot interferometer.
  • •Solve problems related to the Fabry-Perot interferometer.
Week
7

Module 4: Fresnel Diffraction

2h

Unit 4: Fresnel Diffraction

2 study hours
  • •State simple experiments that illustrate the diffraction phenomenon.
  • •Describe an experimental set-up for diffraction at a circular aperture.
  • •Explain that Fraunhofer diffraction is a special case of Fresnel diffraction.
  • •Study the spatial evolution of a diffraction pattern: transition from Fresnel to Fraunhofer class.
Week
8

Module 4: Fresnel Diffraction

2h

Unit 4: Fresnel Diffraction

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the concept of Fresnel half-period zones and apply it to a zone plate.
  • •Discuss the diffraction pattern due to a circular aperture and a straight edge.
  • •Solve numerical problems related to Fresnel diffraction.
  • •Apply Fresnel's construction to explain rectilinear propagation.
Week
9

Module 5: Fraunhofer Diffraction

2h

Unit 5: Fraunhofer Diffraction

2 study hours
  • •Describe the experimental arrangement for observing the Fraunhofer diffraction pattern from a narrow vertical slit and a circular aperture.
  • •Explain the observed irradiance based on simple theoretical analysis.
  • •Solve numerical problems related to Fraunhofer diffraction.
  • •Understand the formation of diffraction halos.
Week
10

Module 6: Diffraction Grating

2h

Unit 6: Diffraction Grating

2 study hours
  • •State the salient features of the double-slit diffraction pattern.
  • •Qualitatively compare single-slit diffraction pattern with double and N-slit patterns.
  • •Derive the equation for the intensity distribution for the double-slit pattern.
  • •Solve problems related to double-slit diffraction.
Week
11

Module 6: Diffraction Grating

2h

Unit 6: Diffraction Grating

2 study hours
  • •Extend the double-slit calculation for N equally spaced slits.
  • •Describe the use of a diffraction grating in spectral analysis.
  • •Solve numerical examples related to diffraction gratings.
  • •Understand the formation of spectra by diffraction gratings.
Week
12

Module 7: Diffraction and Resolution

2h

Unit 7: Diffraction and Resolution

2 study hours
  • •Explain how diffraction limits the image-forming ability of optical devices.
  • •Use the Rayleigh criterion to compute expressions for the resolving power of a telescope, a microscope, and a diffraction grating.
  • •Solve numerical problems based on resolution.
  • •Understand the relationship between diffraction and image formation.
Week
13

Module 7: Diffraction and Resolution

2h

Unit 7: Diffraction and Resolution

2 study hours
  • •Describe how the Michelson stellar interferometer helps in improving resolution.
  • •Study the construction and working principle of the Michelson stellar interferometer.
  • •Solve problems related to the resolving power of optical instruments.
  • •Review all units and prepare for assignments.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Thoroughly review all solved examples in each unit, focusing on the application of formulas.

2

Practice solving terminal questions at the end of each unit to reinforce understanding of key concepts.

3

Create concept maps linking interference and diffraction phenomena to their respective experimental setups.

4

Dedicate extra time to understanding the mathematical derivations of intensity distributions for single-slit, double-slit, and diffraction gratings.

5

Focus on understanding the Rayleigh criterion and its application to calculating resolving power for different optical instruments.

6

Review all SAQs and attempt similar problems to test comprehension of core principles.

7

Practice time management by allocating specific time slots for each unit during the final week before the exam.

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