Faculty of Science

Objectives

To give an understanding of non-linear phenomena in physics, the Kirchhoff theory of Diffraction and optical wave guides and lasers. Non-linear oscillations and Chaos theory. The wave equation in space and the Kirchhoff.

Contents

Diffraction, Holography and the theory of image formation, Fourier optics, Guided waves - Fibre Optics, Introduction to Non-linear Optics - Second harmonic generation, the Kerr, Pockels and Faraday effects, amplification of light and lasers;

Fourier Optics: Lens as element accomplishing a Fourier transformation, Fourier transform of amplitudes between the focal planes of a lens, Image formation by a lens, limiting resolving power of optical instruments, Dark-field illumination method, Phase-contrast method, the essence of spatial filtering of images, Spatial filtering of the diffraction grating images, Abbe-Poter experiment; Lasers Physics: Interactions of atoms and molecules with light, various types of broadening mechanisms (Doppler, Collision lifetime etc.), optical saturation, population inversion, optical pumping, cavities and resonators, mode beating, frequency pulling and hole burning, schematic diagram of a laser, Characteristic of the most common types of lasers ( He-Ne laser, diode lasers, pulsed systems as well as lasers for material processing ), various application areas will be exemplified at the end of the course.

Prerequisite: