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EE/APh 120
Physical Optics
9 units (3-0-6)  | first term
Prerequisites: Intermediate-level familiarity with Fourier transforms and linear systems analysis. Basic understanding of Maxwell's electromagnetic theory (EE/APh 40 and EE 44, or equivalent).
The goal aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to optical phenomena, with a focus on the central role played by wave propagation. The course is divided into two parts. In the first part, we begin by reviewing geometrical optics before transitioning to the scalar theory of optical waves. Using linear system analysis and Fourier transforms, we study a range of topics including diffraction, optical beams, resonators, and imaging systems. In the second part of the course, we explore the concepts of coherence and polarization and apply them to the study of a broader range of phenomena and systems, where a full electromagnetic field description is necessary. This incudes topics such as photonic crystals, meta-surfaces, and nonlinear optical processes.
Instructor: Mirhosseini