Physics III - Optics [SPHYB114]

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to :

    understand the basic notions and concepts related to geometrical, wave and quantum optics ;
    apply this knowledge to the understanding of various physical phenomena related to the life sciences (microscopy, how the eye works, endoscopy, X-ray imaging, etc.);
    express themselves in correct scientific terms;
    model a situation from everyday and/or professional life, making appropriate use of the formulae, laws and principles of optics;
    Develop a critical scientific mind and establish sound scientific reasoning.

Objectives

The aims of the course are to :

    to provide a solid knowledge base in physics, more specifically in the field of optics
    to highlight the close links between optics and the life sciences.

Students will be led to understand matter in depth, going beyond a simple knowledge of laws and concepts.

Content

This physics course is usually based on simple observations and experiments carried out in class. From these observations, we draw lessons, rigorous reasoning and the deduction of physical laws. Simple demonstrations are presented, as well as an explanation of the fundamental laws of optics. These laws are then applied to explain phenomena in everyday life or in nature. The links between optics and the life sciences are essential in this course (microscopy, how the eye works, endoscopy, X-ray imaging, etc.).

Table of contents

The following lesson plan is provided for illustrative purposes:

1. Introduction

1.1 Historical overview  

1.2 The nature of light

1.2.1 Notion of wavelength and plane waves

1.2.2 The concepts of reflection, transmission and absorption

1.3 Different models of light

1.3.1 Geometrical optics

1.3.2 Wave optics  

1.3.3 Quantum optics

1.4 The electromagnetic spectrum

1.5 Optical medium

1.5.1 Speed of light

1.5.2 Refractive index

1.5.3 Dispersion  

1.6 Light sources

1.6.1 Incandescent sources

1.6.2 Luminescent sources

1.6.3 Monochromatic sources


2. Geometrical optics and optical instruments                                            

2.1 Model assumptions

2.1.1 Light as a ray

2.1.2 Objects and images

2.2 Reflection

2.2.1 Law of reflection

2.2.2 Flat mirrors

2.2.3 Spherical mirrors

2.3 Refraction

2.3.1 The law of refraction

2.3.2 The spherical dioptre

2.3.3 The plane diopter

2.4 Thin lenses  

2.4.1 Types of lenses

2.4.2 Equation for thin lenses

2.4.3 Focus and focal length

2.4.4 Image formation

2.4.5 Lens systems

2.4.6 Lens aberrations

2.5 The magnifying glass

3. Wave optics                                        

3.1 Model assumptions

3.1.1 Light as an electromagnetic wave

3.1.2 Polarisation of light

3.1.3 Superposition of waves

3.2 Wave interference

3.3 Huygens' principle

3.4 Young's experiment

3.5 Diffraction

3.5.1 Diffraction through a slit

3.5.2 Resolution and Rayleigh criterion

3.5.3 The diffraction grating


4. Quantum optics

              4.1 Model assumptions

                             4.1.1 Light as a particle

                             4.1.2 The fundamental processes of radiation

                             4.1.3 Wave-corpuscle duality

              4.2 The laser

           

5. Microscopy

5.1 Principle of an optical microscope

5.2 Resolution limits

5.3 Electron microscopes

5.4 Other microscopes


6. The eye

6.1 Anatomical description

6.2 Optical model of the eye

6.3 Accommodation

6.4 Defects and corrections

6.5 Colour perception and colours in nature

6.6 The animal eye

7. Endoscopy

              7.1 Total internal reflection

              7.2 Application of total internal reflection

              7.3 The endoscope


8. X-ray imaging

              8.1 X-ray spectrum

              8.2 X-ray diffraction and DNA structure

              8.3 Photon-matter interaction processes

              8.4 Attenuation of photons in matter

              8.5 Imaging and contrast


9. Colorimetric oximetry

              9.1 Oximeter

              9.2 Blood composition

              6.3 How it works

Exercises description

Exercise sessions organised by an assistant in small groups (20 to 27 students per group).

10 hours of practical exercises (TD) are linked to this teaching unit. These sessions are part of a set of practical sessions associated with the Physics II unit (SPHY B113).