Trivia Question Which “Big Bang Theory” character is from New Jersey? (a) Raj Koothrappali (b) Bernadette Rostenkowski (c) Howard Wolowitz (d) Sheldon Cooper (e) Amy Farrah Fowler (f) Leonard Hofstadter (g) Penny d c a e b f g
The grand overview of Optics/Photonics Historical Development: Ray Optics → Wave Optics → EM Optics → Quantum Optics. Ray Optics is an approximation of Wave Optics in which wavelength short compared to other dimensions (focal lengths, diameter of optical components, etc.) so that Diffraction can be ignored.
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Postulates of Wave Optics Light travels as waves with a speed of light in a vacuum given by c o. Speed of light in a medium determined by refractive index n Optical wave is expressed mathematically as a wavefunction u(r,t) which satisfies the wave equation: Principle of superposition: Refractive index n(r) can vary with position as long as variations occur of distances long compared to wavelength.
Postulates of Wave Optics Optical Intensity (optical power/ unit area) [W/cm2] is proportional to average of square of waveform. Average over times much longer then duration of optical cycle 1/ν. Optical power (Watts) calculated as power flowing through area perpendicular to direction of propagating wave. Optical energy: Integrate optical power over some period of time. (Energy/ time=Watts)
Spherical, parabolic, and plane waves
Slowly Varying Amplitude
Transparent Parallel Plate
Gratings