Course syllabus

Våglära och optik
Waves and Optics

FAFF30, 9 credits, G2 (First Cycle)

Valid for: 2016/17
Decided by: Education Board B
Date of Decision: 2016-03-29

General Information

Main field: Technology.
Compulsory for: F1
Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish

Aim

The course aims at developing the physics problem solving skills of the student. The course gives the students training in discussing physics, improves their experimental skills and introduces computer aided data analysis and graphical data representation. It treats wave propagation with particular emphasis on electromagnetic waves and optics. Electromagnetic radiation and wave propagation are central concepts in modern technology, but also connects directly to the wave function description of the quantum world. This course provides a foundation for understanding and developing the technology around us, and modern physics.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• know the basic physical principles of wave propagation,
• be able to relate abstract mathematical models and analogies to experiments and the reality,
• know how to analyze basic problems and calculations on waves and wave propagation.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• have improved his/her ability to carry out laboratory work and analyze the results using computers,
• have improved his/her ability to present calculations and observations in written form, and discuss physical problems with collegues
• be able to solve simple physics problems in a structured way.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to demonstrate an understanding of scientific methods and to realize possibilities and limitations of physics,
• be able to evaluate results of different experimental methods,
• be able to identify his/her further need of knowledge also within other areas.

Contents

Light sources, waves and wave propagation with emphasis on light waves. Central aspects of the course are electromagnetic waves, interference, Fermat’s Principle, Huygens' Principle, imaging with lenses and mirrors (computer aided ray tracing) and diffraction (both Fraunhofer and Fresnel), polarization, coherence, and introduction to lasers. Emphasis is placed on conceptual understanding and how the course's various parts relate to each other and to modern technology and research. The laboratory work is used to visualize important concepts in physics.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH
Assessment: Written exam, laboratory sessions, written assignments and project.

Parts
Code: 0113. Name: Waves and Optics.
Credits: 5. Grading scale: TH. Assessment: Written exam
Code: 0213. Name: Laboratory Sessions and Home Assignments.
Credits: 4. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: Passed laboratory sessions, written assignement and project. Contents: Laboratory sessions, written assignment and project.

Admission

Required prior knowledge: FMA430 Calculus in Several Variables
The number of participants is limited to: No
The course overlaps following course/s: FAFA25, FAFA01, FAFA05, FAFA50, FAFF25, FAFA65, FAFF40, FAF260, FAFA60

Reading list

• F. L. Pedrotti, L. M. Pedrotti and L. S. Pedrotti: Introduction to Optics (third edition). Pearson, 2007, ISBN: 9780131971332.

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Johan Mauritsson, johan.mauritsson@fysik.lth.se