LEARNING OUTCOMES

Understanding some of the main optical techniques with analytical and imaging applications.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Nowadays these techniques find implementation in very high performance instruments that, on the other hand, they are closed with respect to the operator’s action. The peculiar skills of the physicist can take a special value providing a proper knowledge of the underlying principles and critical thinking towards the real limitations of the techniques.

TEACHING METHODS

Applied Optics is a 60-hour course divided into theoretical and laboratory classes. Laboratory classes provide both a practical demonstration of the arguments introduced theoretically and the possibility to try them independently with pre-arranged experienxces. 

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Introduction to Fourier transforms, their numerical implementation and to linear systems.
• Interference
• Michelson’s interferometer and temporal coherence
• White light interferometry
• FT spectrometry
• Young’s interference and spatial coherence
• Van Cittert-Zernike Theorem
• Fabry-Pérot interferometer
• The diffraction grating e dispersive spectroscopy
• Light propagation and the diffraction integral
• The theory of imaging
• The thin lens
• Lateral and axial resolution in optical systems
• Holography and digital holography
• Spatial filtering
• Polarization of light
• Jones’ calculus
• Stokes’ parameter and Poincaré sphere

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

M. Born and E. Wolf, “Principles of optics”, Cambridge University Press.

J.W. Goodman, “Introduction to Fourier optics”, Mc. Graw-Hill.