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PX3021: OPTICS AND PHOTONICS (2023-2024)

Last modified: 23 Jul 2024 10:44


Course Overview

This course gives an overview of a optical physics, spanning the classical ideas of geometrical optics through to modern photonic devices such as lasers that are quantum mechanical in nature. It touches on a number of wave phenomena such as optical polarisation and how optics is fundamentally linked to the powerful mathematical tool of Fourier theory. Through a range of examples, the course will illustrate how optics is used in the modern world, from microscopes to telecommunications.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Term First Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Professor David McGloin

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course serves as an introduction to optics and photonics at honours level. It introduces the basics of imaging systems in the context of geometric optics, including telescopes and microscopes before considering the wave phenomena, polarisation and interference. Ideas associated with optical coherence are discussed, looking at imaging systems such as optical coherence tomography. Diffraction theory and the powerful link between Fraunhofer diffraction and Fourier transforms is outlined. In the final section of the course an introduction is given to the laser, examining the building blocks for a laser system in the form of an optical cavity and a gain material. The particular form of optical beams that lasers produce, the Gaussian beam is discussed, as are a range of different laser examples, from semiconductor to fibre laser systems.

Course outline:

  • Revision of topics in geometrical optics
  • Optics of simple optical systems
  • Matrix approaches to optical system analysis
  • Polarisation
  • Interference
  • Coherence
  • Diffraction
  • Fourier Optics
  • Introduction to laser physics
  • Properties of lasers

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Journal Article Exercise

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 15
Assessment Weeks 17 Feedback Weeks 19

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Feedback

Students will choose articles from the research literature in optics and write news style articles in different journalistic styles aimed at different technical audiences.

Written feedback will be given via MyAberdeen.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualCreateAnalyse complex information about optics and photonics research and communicate this to different specialist audiences in written form

Computer Programming Exercise

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 15
Assessment Weeks 17 Feedback Weeks 19

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Feedback

The submission will include the working program as well as a write up assessing the outputs of the program (max 1,000 words)

Written feedback will be given via myAberdeen.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualAnalyseExplain and calculate the properties of lasers and laser beams using concepts in atomic and optical physics
ConceptualCreateAnalyse complex information about optics and photonics research and communicate this to different specialist audiences in written form
ConceptualUnderstandDescribe the properties of polarised light using different theoretical approaches
FactualApplySolve problems in optical physics making use of diffraction theory
FactualUnderstandExplain how geometrical optics can be applied to a range of problems involving simple optical instrumentation

Exam

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks 19,20 Feedback Weeks

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Feedback
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualAnalyseExplain and calculate the properties of lasers and laser beams using concepts in atomic and optical physics
ConceptualUnderstandDescribe the properties of polarised light using different theoretical approaches
FactualApplySolve problems in optical physics making use of diffraction theory
FactualUnderstandExplain how geometrical optics can be applied to a range of problems involving simple optical instrumentation

Problem Sheets

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 20
Assessment Weeks 15 Feedback Weeks 17

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Feedback

This take home assessment will consist of questions based on course material, and will assess knowledge and understanding as well as problem solving skills.

Feedback will be provided on individual answers and solutions will be discussed in class.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualAnalyseExplain and calculate the properties of lasers and laser beams using concepts in atomic and optical physics
ConceptualUnderstandDescribe the properties of polarised light using different theoretical approaches
FactualApplySolve problems in optical physics making use of diffraction theory
FactualUnderstandExplain how geometrical optics can be applied to a range of problems involving simple optical instrumentation

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Resubmission of failed elements (pass marks carried forward)

Assessment Type Summative Weighting
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualUnderstandExplain how geometrical optics can be applied to a range of problems involving simple optical instrumentation
ConceptualUnderstandDescribe the properties of polarised light using different theoretical approaches
FactualApplySolve problems in optical physics making use of diffraction theory
ConceptualAnalyseExplain and calculate the properties of lasers and laser beams using concepts in atomic and optical physics
ConceptualCreateAnalyse complex information about optics and photonics research and communicate this to different specialist audiences in written form

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