Physics

RINALDO TROTTA
RINALDO TROTTA
MARTA DE LUCA
MARTA DE LUCA

GENERAL OBJECTIVES:
The student will acquire knowledge of the fundamental principles and laws of Classical Optics, with regards to general phenomena, such as interference, diffraction and polarization of light. These phenomena will be also investigated in laboratory sessions by using advanced didactic set-ups. The student will learn how to use the basic principles of Optics to solve simple problems related to the knowledge acquired during the course. At the end of the course, the students will develop quantitative reasoning abilities and problem-solving skills, which represent the basis to study, model and understand light propagation and interaction with matter at a fundamental level.
Furthermore, thanks to the laboratory sessions, the student will develop practical ability to use optical set-ups as well as to convey the observations made during the experiments via laboratory reports. A direct interaction with the teacher will be also a plus during the execution of the experiments.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
A - Knowledge and understanding
OF 1) Understand the fundamentals of physical optics (electromagnetic waves)
OF 2) Understand the fundamentals of optics in linear media (isotropic and anisotropic dielectrics)
OF 3) To understand the language of optics
B - Application skills
OF 4) To be able to assemble simple optical experiments
OF 5) To be able to align an optical interferometer
OF 6) To be able to measure optical intensity (photodiodes)
OF 7) To be able to measure and control light polarization states
C - Autonomy of judgment
OF 8) To be able to evaluate the best way of performing an experimental measurement
D - Communication skills
OF 9) To know how to communicate in written reports the results the experimental work
OF 10) To know how to discuss the characteristics and functionalities of simple optical schemes
E - Ability to learn
OF 11) Being able to consult optical components datasheets
OF 12) Being able to design a of simple optical schemeanalog and digital circuits

The student will acquire the fundamentals of physical optics (propagation of electromagnetic waves) and of optics in linear media (isotropic and anisotropic dielectrics). The student will participate in laboratory exercises and learn the fundamentals of data processing in optical experiments.

a) It is fundamental to know the basics of classical electromagnetism acquired in the first two years of bachelor's degree.
b) It is important to have basic knowledge of data analysis as acquired during the first two years of the bachelor degree
c) It is useful to have good knowledge on the use of oscilloscopes and multimeters and of the treatment of experimental uncertainties.

The first part of the course is focused on the study of optical waves (12 hours). The second part is dedicated to the study of intereference effects (12 hours). The third is dedicated to diffraction (12 hours), while the fourth is dedicated to the study of optical propagation in materials and anisotropy (12 hours). Experiments are group into 5 specific sesions on subject matter covered in the program (30 hours).

In detail:
Maxwell Equations and electromagnetic waves.
Fourier Theorem. Waves in inhomogeneous media, Helmholtz Equation.
Polarization, Poynting vector, spectrum, reflection and refraction. Fermat's principle. Total internal reflection, atmosphere, Fresnel relationships, Brewster angle, polaroids, Malus law. Polarization as a spin-like system, evanescent waves. Young slit experiment, optical path, Michelson interferometer, visibility, Wiener's theorem. Optical wavepacket and coherence. Principle of Huygens-Fresnel. Green's theorem, Kirckhoff's integral theorem. Diffraction, numerical aperture, resolution. Fabry-Perot interferometer, free spectral-range, finesse. Static polarizability of an atom. Dispersion, Lorentz model, absorption, phase and group velocity, index of refraction. Fibers. Rainbow. Anisoytopic crystal, propagation of light, waveplates, Stokes parameters and Poincarè sphere. Birefringence, optical activity, Faraday rotation. Phase and intensity modulators. Prisms, spherical mirrors, geometrical optics, images, aberrations.

Experiments.
1. Malus law. Brewster angle.
2 Michelson interferometer. Coherence length of a laser.
3. Diffraction.
4. Fabry-Perot interferometer.
5. Stokes parameters.

Grant R. Fowles, Introduction to Modern Optics, Dover Publications Inc., New York

C. Mencuccini, V. Silvestrini, Fisica II, Liguori Editore, Napoli
Mazzoldi, Nigro, Voci, Fisica vol. II, edizioni EdiSES
M. Born, E. Wolf, Principles of Optics (Pergamon Press, Oxford, 1980)

The course includes theoretical lectures, the discussion of specific examples, and an explanation of the experiments carried out in the laboratory sessions. Lesson attendance is optional but highly recommended.
Laboratory sessions include 5 experiments, each lasting 4 hours. Students work in groups of 3 or 4 per setup. A group report is handed in within 7 days from the experiment. A maximum of 1 absence is allowed on the 5 experimental sessions.

Lesson attendance is optional but highly recommended.
Attendance at the laboratory sessions is compulsory (only one absence is allowed).

The final exam is an oral examination. Typically, the examination includes questions and/or excercises on the contents of the course and on the experiments, this allowing also the evaluation of the contribution of each member of the group to the experiments and reports. Each experimental report is marked on a scale of 30 points. The average mark of the experiments is increase by 1 point if the exam is held in the first 3 exam dates of the course, is left unchanged if the exam is held on the fourth, fifth, and sixth date, and is decreased by 1 point for each extra date after the sixth. The average mark earned for the experiments, modified on the basis of the actual contribution of the individual student, forms 50% of the final mark.
To pass the exam the student must be able to present a specific subject matter or a calculation described during the course, to describe and discuss in detail the lab sessions carried out during the course, and apply the methods learned to examples and situations similar to the once already discussed. The evaluation will be based on
-correctness of concepts discussed;
-clarity and rigor in the discussion;
-analytical ability to handle theoretical concepts;
-problem solving ability (methods and results)

1. Describe the Fabry-Perot Interferometer laboratory experiment.
2. Discuss diffraction, Fresnel diffraction and the Fraunhofer regime.
3. Describe birefringence and its theoretical description.
4. Discuss polarization and methods to measure it.

• Interference and Diffraction


• Physical optics


• Geometrical optics