General physics II: Wave optics, electronics and atomic structure - Partim Physique [SPHYB204]

Learning outcomes

This course is the last part of the Introductory physics courses that are part of bachelor's program in physics and chemistry. It aims to provide an understanding of the fundamental concepts, thus laying the foundations for more advanced courses. The course emphasises the importance of rigorous scientific reasoning, as well as the importance of observation and calculation in dealing with physics problems.

Content

Alternating currents: use of complex impedance to study passive circuits in steady state. R- L-C circuit in transient regime. Magnetic properties of matter (types of magnetic materials, definition of permeability and susceptibility, properties of magnetic materials, hysteresis). Transformers. Introduction to X-rays. The dB scale. Amplitude modulation The p-n junction, bipolar transistor, field effect transistor.

Wave optics

Chapter I: Introduction

1 Geometrical or wave optics

2. Huygens' principle

3. Types of mechanical waves

4. Wave equation (1D)

5. Harmonic waves

6. Definitions

7. Phase and phase velocity

8. Principle of superposition

9. Complex representation

10. Phasor diagrams

11. Planar waves

12. Wave equation (3D)

Chapter 2: Light propagation

1) Rayleigh scattering

2) Huygens principle applied to reflection from a plane

3) Huygens' principle applied to refraction by a plane

4) Fermat's principle applied to reflection

5) Fermat's principle applied to refraction

6) Generalization of Fermat's Principle

7) Explanation of mirages

8) Electromagnetic approach

9) Fresnel equations

10) Amplitude of the coefficients

11) Brewster incidence

12) Total internal reflection

13) Reflectance and transmittance

Chapter 3: Interference

1) Interference - superposition of waves (2D)

2) Superposition of waves of the same amplitude

3) Spatial and temporal coherence

4) Spatial and partial temporal coherence

5) Young's experiment

6) Two-beam interference

7) Michelson interferometer

Chapter 4: Diffraction

1) Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction

2) Combinations of coherent oscillators

3) Single slit diffraction pattern

4) Intensity of the diffraction pattern through a slit