Optics II

1. Apply the principle of superposition to interpret constructive and destructive interference.
2. Describe the origins of interference and diffraction patterns.
3. Calculate fringe width and wavelength using interference and diffraction equations.
4. Explain the working principles of Michelson and Fabry-Perot interferometers.
5. Compute the resolving power of telescopes, microscopes, and diffraction gratings.
6. Analyze and solve problems related to interference and diffraction phenomena.

13 weeks, about 26 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Interference by Division of Wavefront

   • Unit 1: Interference by Division of Wavefront · 2 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..

2. Week 2Module 1: Interference by Division of Wavefront

   • Unit 1: Interference by Division of Wavefront · 2 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..

3. Week 3Module 2: Interference by Division of Amplitude

   • Unit 2: Interference by Division of Amplitude · 2 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..

4. Week 4Module 2: Interference by Division of Amplitude

   • Unit 2: Interference by Division of Amplitude · 2 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..

5. Week 5Module 3: Interferometry

   • Unit 3: Interferometry · 2 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..

6. Week 6Module 3: Interferometry

   • Unit 3: Interferometry · 2 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..

7. Week 7Module 4: Fresnel Diffraction

   • Unit 4: Fresnel Diffraction · 2 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..

8. Week 8Module 4: Fresnel Diffraction

   • Unit 4: Fresnel Diffraction · 2 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..

9. Week 9Module 5: Fraunhofer Diffraction

   • Unit 5: Fraunhofer Diffraction · 2 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..

10. Week 10Module 6: Diffraction Grating

    • Unit 6: Diffraction Grating · 2 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..

11. Week 11Module 6: Diffraction Grating

    • Unit 6: Diffraction Grating · 2 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..

12. Week 12Module 7: Diffraction and Resolution

    • Unit 7: Diffraction and Resolution · 2 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..

13. Week 13Module 7: Diffraction and Resolution

    • Unit 7: Diffraction and Resolution · 2 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..