In the field of optical and electronic device engineering, such as solar cells, displays or waveguides, as well as in the fields of material optical properties and functionality, the knowledge of basic principles of optics is indispensable. Following the review of the course on Optics I, this course will cover refraction and reflection of light using the Fresnel equations, and will introduce optical fibers, waveguides, and near-field optics as applications. This will be followed by introduction of the principles of optical interference and its applications such as interferometers and multi-wavelength interference. The basics of Fraunhofer diffraction on slits and circular apertures, the resolution of optical instruments, diffraction gratings and spectrometers will be explained. Finally, stimulated emission of light, lasers and their applications will be introduced. This lecture will be given in English, but important points from each slide will also be summarized in Japanese. The ratio of English to Japanese is approximately 6:4.
By studying in English, you will learn to understand technical terms and presentations in English, which will be advantageous for your future research activities.
The goal of this course is to help students understand various basic and advanced optical phenomena and topics based on the knowledge of electromagnetism. Furthermore, by introducing demonstration experiments during lectures, students will develop their observation and problem-finding abilities, and acquire problem-solving skills by comparing theory and demonstration experiments.
Character of light, propagation of light, refractive index, polarization
✔ Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
The first 20 minutes of each class will be used to review the contents of the previous lecture and to explain solutions of exercise problems. Depending on the content of the lecture, demonstration experiments will also be introduced at the beginning, and the lecture will proceed while analyzing the phenomena observed in the experiments. Students are required to understand the contents of each lecture and review it for the next lecture. This course will be given in English, but the important points from each slide will also be summarized in Japanese. The ratio of English to Japanese is approximately 6:4. You can take this course even if you are not good at English, and use it to improve your English skills.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Character of light, Maxwell’s equations, wave equation, properties of light, spectrum | none |
Class 2 | Energy, pressure of light, light as particles, refractive index, Lorentz oscillator model | |
Class 3 | Propagation of light, scattering, refraction, reflection, total internal reflection | |
Class 4 | Polarization of light, linear, circular, elliptical polarization. Polarizers | |
Class 5 | Birefringence, phase retardation, photoelastic effect | |
Class 6 | Mathematical description of polarization, optical phenomena related to polarization | |
Class 7 | Review of Optics I., problem solving |
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
E. Hecht: Optics (Addison Wesley)
Lecture slides will be distributed after each class.
Understanding of contents of the lecture and the ability to use it will be evaluated. Final exam 90%, short tests and homeworks 10%.
not required
vacha.m.aa[at]m.titech.ac.jp
tel 2425
The lecture is given mainly in English but the most important points of each slide are reviewed and summarized in Japanese as well. The ratio of English and Japanese used in the class is approximately 6:4, so you can take the class even if you are not completely proficient in English.