Experimental Physics S6

Practical work in wave optics studies interference phenomena using Michelson and Fabry-Pérot interferometers as an application for high-resolution spectroscopy. (Michelson interferometer and Fabry-Pérot interferometer hands-on)

Interference phenomena are also recorded on holographic plates for the restitution and study of holograms (TP holography).

The polarization of light is studied and used to study birefringent materials (calcite, for example), liquid crystals, isotropic materials placed under stress (induced birefringence)... (TP birefringence)

The emission of electromagnetic waves by heated bodies is studied in blackbody practical exercises. The temperature of various hot bodies is determined using a pyrometer, spectroscopy and an infrared camera (for the human body, for example).

Lasers are also studied, their emission, longitudinal and transverse modes either on a "fixed" cavity, or on an open, adjustable cavity. (TP HeNe laser I and II)

The propagation speed of an intensity-modulated electromagnetic wave is measured by the phase shift of its modulation induced by its propagation. (TP speed of light)

Objects are analyzed using Fourier optics, which, after filtering, brings out or removes certain details. The study is also compared with digital Fourier filtering (TP strioscopie).

Finally, the property of certain substances subjected to a magnetic field to deviate the plane of polarization of the light passing through them is being studied in the Faraday effect TP.

Familiarize yourself with light analysis instruments such as spectrometers, power meters, spectrum analyzers, CCDs, pyrometers, etc., which are commonly used in industry and research.  

Put into practice the theoretical concepts acquired during the first three years of the degree program by handling legendary optical instruments still used today in cutting-edge technology and research.

At the end of their apprenticeship, students should be able to set up, understand their observations and take measurements with the instruments they have studied. They will be familiar with the physical phenomena at play and used in the instrument for precision measurement.

Some manipulations are simple and require no special instruments for observation, but involve fundamental phenomena that you must be able to name and understand, and require a protocol for demonstrating these phenomena that you must be able to reproduce and understand.

1. Geometrical optics: Snell-Descartes law. Image formation by lenses/mirrors. Optical path.
2. Wave optics: plane wave and plane wave distribution. Interference with two or more waves. Fraunhofer diffraction.
3. Mathematics: Fourier transform

Recommended prerequisites* :

      Polarization of light (polarizer, wave blades (quarter-wave, half-wave). Notions of Fourier optics (time/frequency, real space/wavelength). Fabry-Pérot (finesse, free spectral range). Laser operation (population inversion, spontaneous/stimulated emission).

CC (1/3) TP Exam (2/3)

Practical work: 36 h