B Sc Programme in Physics, Mahatma Gandhi University
Curriculum and syllabus 2011 admissions onwards
54
SEMESTER V
PH5B02U Physical Optics and Photonics
Credits 4 (Theory 3+ Practical 1)
No. of contact hours 54
Scope: This course aims to provide necessary foundation in optics and photonics
which prepare the students for an intensive study of advanced topics at a later stage.
Prerequisites: Concepts of waves, basics in Mathematics.
Module I
Interference (11 hrs)
Review of basic ideas of interference, (Coherent waves-Optical path and phase
change-superposition of waves, condition for bright and dark fringes).Thin films-
plane parallel film-interference due to reflected light-conditions for brightness and
darkness-interference due to transmitted light-Haidinger fringes-interference in
wedge shaped film-colours in thin films-Newtons rings. Michelson interferometer-
construction-working and applications.
Optics by Subramanayam, Brijlal, MN Avadhanalu, S.Chand Chapter 14 and15
Diffraction (11 hrs)
Fresnel Diffraction Huygens- Fresnel theory zone plate Difference
between zone plate and convex lens. Comparison between interference and
diffraction diffraction pattern due to a straight edge, single silt. Fraunhoffer
diffraction at a single slit, double slit, N slits, theory of plane diffraction grating.
Optics by Subramanayam, Brijlal, MN Avadhanalu, S.Chand Chapter 17 and 18
Module II
Polarization (10hrs)
Concept of polarization (plane of polarization)-polarization by reflection-Brewsters
law-polarization by refraction-pile of plates. Polarization by double refraction-(calcite
crystal). Anisotropic crystals optic axis Double refraction-Huygens explanation of
B Sc Programme in Physics, Mahatma Gandhi University
Curriculum and syllabus 2011 admissions onwards
55
double refraction. Positive and Negative crystals-Electromagnetic theory of double
refraction. Types of polarized light-Retarders or wave plate- Quarter wave plate
Half wave plate- Production and Detection of elliptically and circularly polarized light-
Optical Activity-Fresnels Explanation of Optical Rotation-(Analytical treatment not
needed) Specific Rotation-Laurents half shade polarimeter
Optics by Subramanayam, Brijlal, MN Avadhanalu, S.Chand. Chapter 20
Module-III
Lasers (12hrs)
Absorption and emission of light-Absorption-spontaneous emission and stimulated
emission-light amplification by stimulated emission. Einsteins relations-condition for
light amplification population inversion-pumping pumping methods optical
pumping electrical pumping -direct conversion. Active medium-metastable states-
pumping schemes (two level, three level and four level) Optical resonator (theory
not required) Threshold condition. Types of lasers-ruby laser, He-Ne laser, semi-
conductor laser. Applications of lasers-Holography (principle, recording and
reconstruction)
An introduction to lasers theory and applications.MN Avadhanulu.S.Chand
Chapter-1
Fibre Optics and Optical Communication (10hrs)
Optical fibre- Critical angle of propagation-modes of propagation- Acceptance angle-
Fractional refractive index change- Numerical Aperture- Types of Optical fibers-
Normalized Frequency- pulse dispersion Attenuation- Applications- Fibre optic
communication system- Advantages of Optical fibers.
Optics by Subramanayam, Brijlal, MN Avadhanalu, S.Chand Chapter 24.
References
1. Optics 3
rd
edition- Ajoy Ghatak, TMH
2. Optical Electronics Ajoy Ghatak and K Thyagarajan, Cambridge
3. Optics and Atomic Physics D P Khandelwal, Himalaya Pub. House
4. Optics S K Srivastava, CBS Pub. N Delhi
5. A Text book of Optics S L Kakani, K L Bhandari, S Chand.
