Review of geometrical optics; wave properties of light and the wave equation; Helmholtz equation; wave optics, including Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction, transfer functions, coherence, auto and cross-correlation; Gaussian and non-Gaussian beam profiles; quantum optics and photon statistics; spin squeezing; applications of optics including fiber optics, laser resonators, laser amplifiers, non-linear optics, and optical trapping; quantum properties of light; interaction of photons and atoms.
1 Review of classical optics
2 Ray and wave optics
3 Laser optics and Gaussian beams
4 Non-Gaussian beam optics
5 Fourier optics
6 Electromagnetic optics
7 Nonlinear optics
8 Lasers, resonators and cavities
9 Photon optics
10 Photon statistics and squeezed light
11 Interaction of photons with atoms
12 Experimental applications: Optical trapping
13 Experimental applications: Laser resonator design
14 Experimental applications: Light propagation in optical fibers and nanofibers
15 Experimental applications: laser cooling of alkali atoms
Laboratory Exercises: Mach-Zehnder & Fabry-Perot Interferometry; Fraunhofer & Fresnel Diffraction; Single-mode and Multimode Fiber Optics; Polarization of Light; Optical Trapping & Optical Tweezers
Homework: 60%, Final Exam, 40%.
Fundamentals of Photonics, by Saleh and Teich (2007) Wiley
Quantum Optics, an Introduction, by Mark Fox (2006) Oxford University Press
Optics, by Eugen Hecht (2001) Addison Wesley
Alternate years course: AY2024
Enrollment cap of 8 students