Optics
Undergraduate · Physics
Syllabus focus
Topics typically covered
Standard syllabus
Geometric optics
- Fermat's principle and ray tracing
- Mirrors, thin lenses, and lensmaker's equation
- Optical instruments: microscopes and telescopes
- Aberrations: spherical, chromatic, and coma
- Matrix methods for paraxial rays
Wave optics
- Huygens–Fresnel principle and coherence
- Young's double slit and Michelson interferometer
- Diffraction: single slit, gratings, and resolution
- Fabry–Pérot and thin-film interference
- Fourier optics overview
Polarization and modern optics
- Linear, circular, and elliptical polarization
- Birefringence and wave plates
- Lasers: population inversion and cavities
- Nonlinear optics introduction
- Fiber optics and photonic devices
STEM / applied
Imaging and sensing
- CCD/CMOS sensors and quantum efficiency
- Hyperspectral and Raman instrumentation
- LIDAR and remote sensing principles
- Adaptive optics for astronomy
- Endoscopy and biomedical imaging
Photonics engineering
- LED and laser diode characteristics
- Optical communications and modulation
- Photolithography in semiconductor fabs
- Holography and 3D display concepts
- Metasurface and nanophotonics trends
Laboratory practice
- Aligning He–Ne or diode laser cavities
- Measuring refractive index and dispersion
- Polarimeter calibration and Malus's law
- Safety protocols for Class III/IV lasers
- Data analysis for interference fringe patterns
Study units
Each unit includes a study guide, worksheets, review, practice test, and answer key. One unit is free; subscribe for the full class.
- Geometric optics
Fermat's principle and ray tracing
Coming soon - Wave optics
Huygens–Fresnel principle and coherence
Coming soon - Polarization and modern optics
Linear, circular, and elliptical polarization
Coming soon
Notes
Topics reflect common upper-division physics syllabi at US colleges and universities. Prerequisites, lab pairing, and mathematical depth vary by department.