At the end of this course, the student will be able to

- describe the physical concepts found in the content, be able to explain them to peers and apply them to relevant problems.

In physical Optics, light is described as an electromagnetic wave. Waves can interfere and the superposition of light waves can lead to a redistribution of the light intensity, a measurable quantity. Many optical phenomena can be explained from the concept of interference. Some of these phenomena will be investigated experimentally in a number of smaller experiments and alarger experiment. The latter will be used to write an article.

The following concepts will be discussed: Huygens and Fermat’s principle, wave character of light (superposition, coherence, Fresnel equations), polarisation, Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction, gratings, interference of light, interferometers.

Assesment Plan

The assessment plan for this course will be published no later than 2 weeks before the starting block of the course on https://www.utwente.nl/nl/tn/onderwijs/toetsschemas/

Participation for Non-TN Students

This course is only accessible to non-TN students after permission from Technische Natuurlunde Programme. See https://www.utwente.nl/en/bap/courses-applied-physics/