MEETING TIMES

MWF 12:50 pm – 1:35 pm (periods 6), in NPB 1011

CONTACT

Bernard Whiting NPB 2079; Tel: 392-8746; Email: bernard@phys.ufl.edu

OFFICE HOURS

TR  12:50 pm – 1:35 pm (period 6) in NPB 2079, or by appointment.

ASSIGNED TEXT

Introduction to Optics, 3rd ed, Pedrotti, Pedrotti & Pedrotti (Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007) ISBN 0-13-149933-5.

PREREQUISITES

PHY 3221 - Classical Mechanics 1
PHY 3321 - Electromagnetism 1
See additional comments and references in reading

OVERVIEW

The course will be given as a thorough introduction to the field of optics and its modern applications. The three main areas of importance will be phenomena arising from properties of the Electromagnetic Field, the interaction of radiation with physical materials and the characteristics of new devices utilizing these phenomena and/or materials. Opportunity will also arise to show that current research still takes place in these areas of physics. The course is expected to rely heavily on the prescribed text, complimented by extra notes and other available materials. The books listed here constitute a sound body of recommended reading. The indicated prerequisite material will basically be assumed. In particular, a sound knowledge of vector calculus, complex numbers, matrices, differential equations and special functions will be most advantageous.

HOMEWORK

Homework is work you do at home (or, at least, outside the class) whether assigned by me or assigned by yourself. Either way, for the course to be effective, it has to be done, but the long-term benefits are significantly better if you are self-motivated in the work you do.

In general, homework from me will be handed out during class on a Wednesday. All homework is to be handed in by the next Wednesday class.

HOW TO DO WELL?

  • Attend and participate fully in class
  • Solve relevant, interesting and hard problems
  • Choose an inspiring project and start work on it early

GRADING POLICY

Course grades will be based on an assessment of classroom participation and homework (25%), one early test, with some emphasis on background material (25%), written and oral presentation on a chosen project midway through the semester (25%), and a 2 hour written exam (25%), currently scheduled for 5:30 pm  7:30 pm on Thursday, April 29th.