OVERVIEW

This course provides an introduction to concepts of optics that are useful in understanding several techniques used in chemistry.
Starting from basic notions, we will deal with the main properties of light, and with several classical phenomena. By using these elements, it will be possible to discuss the operation and the performances of optical devices and instruments.
As an example, the instrumentation for Raman microscopy will be analyzed in detail.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims at providing the basics of Optics in preparation for advanced chemical disciplines. The following subjects are dealt with: the properties of light radiation from thermal, laser and LED sources; the main phenomena of interference and diffraction; the definition of the various polarization states of a radiation.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the course, students will

• learn basic elements of optics
• be able to understand the role of single optical components contained in complex instrumentation
• be able to evaluate the performances of imaging systems and specific spectrometers and to recognize the main limiting factors of these performances

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Review of electromagnetism and the wave equation
• Polarization of light
• Properties of light sources: lamps, LEDs, and lasers
• Reflection, refraction, and absorption
• Interference
• Basics of diffraction
• Elements of geometrical optics
• Imaging and lenses
• The diffraction grating
• The Czerny-Turner monochromator
• The Raman Microscope

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lecture notes.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

LUCA REPETTO (President)

RICCARDO FERRANDO

DAVIDE COMORETTO (President Substitute)

CARLA BIGGIO (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

see   https://chimica.unige.it/didattica/orari_SC

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral assessment with questions on the theory and simple calculations 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The questions test the students' understanding of basic concepts in optics and their ability to apply such concepts for the description of the working principles of the devices introduced during the lectures.

Except for a few specified cases, the students will not be required to memorize formulas, but they will be required to show their ability to use them for the evaluation of optical quantities.

The questions will also test the student's knowledge of the order of magnitude of some properties of light and of some quantities characterizing the typical performance of the optical devices and instruments that have been introduced. 

Exam schedule