Optoelectronics at UNSW, Sydney, Australia

Time

Location

Weeks

Lecture 1

Monday 15:00 - 16:00

RM145A, Old Main Building

1-4, 6-13

Lecture 2

Tuesday 11:00 - 12:00

RM145A, Old Main Building

1-4, 6-13

Date Set:

Date Due:

% of Total Mark 3031:

% of Total Mark 3060:

Mid Session Test:

11 am - 12 pm Tuesday 11 September (Week 8)

10%

20%

Assignment 1:

3 pm Monday 6 August (Week 4)

3 pm Monday 20 August (Week 6)

10%

Assignment 2:

3 pm Monday 24 Sept. (Week 10)

3 pm Monday 8 Oct.
(Week 12)

10%

Final Exam:

TBA

30%

60%

Topics Covered

Week 1

Historical survey and the origin of scalar diffraction. Fraunhofer Diffraction and Fourier Transforms sets basic strategy for solving diffraction problems in optics – the Huygens-Fresnel theory.

Week 2

Fourier Transforms and the Convolution Theorem explains the mathematical tools which will be used throughout the course. The main concept is the idea of a convolution and the main result is the convolution theorem.

Week 3

Fraunhofer Diffraction from Slits and Gratings uses the results from Units 1 and 2 to compute diffraction patterns from simple apertures.

Week 4

Geometric Optics: Lenses, Aberrations and Matrix Methods is a review of elementary geometric optics along with more advanced material. Thin film optics and the matrix transfer method.

Week 5

READING WEEK

Week 6

Abbe’s Theory of Image Formation shows how a lens is a Fourier transformer. It uses this to analyse the process of image formation and hence determine properties of images including limits of resolution.

Week 7

Spatial Filtering, Image Processing and Enhancement applies Fourier theory and Abbe’s theory of image formation to practical problems in imaging. Phase contrast microscopy is analysed in detail

Week 8

Fresnel Diffraction: Axial Symmetry critically analyses the Huygens-Fresnel construction. It then uses the results of the analysis to explain near-field or Fresnel diffraction phenomena for circular apertures and obstacles. Examples include Poisson’s spot, zone plates and Fresnel lenses.

Week 9

Fresnel Diffraction: Rectangular Symmetry looks at near-field phenomena from rectangular slits and obstacles. It introduces the Fresnel integrals and makes use of computer packages to evaluate them. The unit explores the link between Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction.

Week 10

Kirchhoff’s Scalar Theory uses Maxwell’s equations of electromagnetism to put the Huygens- Fresnel construction on a firm physical foundation.

Week 11

Introduction to Coherence covers basic concepts in optical coherence. The unit develops simple measures of coherence and shows that they are consistent with elementary quantum mechanics. It discusses coherence from both theoretical and experimental viewpoints.

Week 12

Classical Coherence Theory and the van Cittert-Zernike
Theorem. Coherence from extended sources.

Week 13

Polarization, linear, circular, elliptical and other types of polarization, matrix representation of polarisation, birefringence and types of crystal, methods for controlling the polarization of light, optical angular momentum.