University of Technology Sydney

68206 Optics

6cp; 5hpw
Requisite(s): (68201 Physics 2 OR 68037 Physical Modelling) AND (33290c Statistics and Mathematics for Science OR 33230 Mathematics 2)
The lower case 'c' after the subject code indicates that the subject is a corequisite. See definitions for details.
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 68315 Imaging Science
Recommended studies:

Mathematics: knowledge of calculus and of complex numbers; Physics: knowledge of basic ray optics and of electric and magnetic fields.

Description

This subject builds upon the study of waves, optics and electromagnetics undertaken in an introductory physics subject. It assumes knowledge of calculus and of complex numbers. The subject considers how scientists and engineers use light to observe the world from the molecular scale upwards. It introduces the electromagnetic wave description of light as well as the descriptions based on rays and photons. Different light sources and detectors are considered. The design of optical imaging systems and their resolution limits are analysed. Common applications such as optics in microscopy and optical fibre technology are discussed. The subject includes a significant experimental component in an authentic dedicated optics laboratory, which emphasises the importance of careful analysis and clear presentation of observations. The use of industry-standard computation packages is introduced for optical modelling and data visualisation.

Typical availability

Spring session, City campus


Detailed subject description.

Fee information

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Access conditions

Note: The requisite information presented in this subject description covers only academic requisites. Full details of all enforced rules, covering both academic and admission requisites, are available at access conditions and My Student Admin.