Applied Optics

At the beginning of this course, we will review the concepts of light rays and the conditions for approximation in geometric optics, as well as the concepts of wave physics that are important for physical optics.

Then, based on the scalar approximation of light waves, a special case of electromagnetic waves, we will describe light sources, interference phenomena with 2 waves, N waves, and then diffraction in the Fraunhofer approximation.

We will continue by studying various widely used physical systems, focusing on their resolution power and applications: microscope, astronomical telescope, Michelson interferometer, grating spectrometer, Fabry-Pérot interferometer.

Finally, we will conclude with the concepts of spatial coherence and temporal coherence of light sources and their use (stellar interferometry, speckle, etc.).

By the end of this course unit, students will have acquired various knowledge:

• be familiar with the most common frameworks for studying optical phenomena
• be able to describe a light source and its physical properties
• Calculate and physically describe the interference and diffraction patterns obtained for the most commonly used devices (Young's slits, gratings, rectangular slits, circular slits, etc.).
• understand the similarities and differences between wave phenomena and wave optics phenomena
• determine the powers of the most commonly used optical devices (imaging, spectrometry, etc.)

This course is intended for students who have already completed their second year of university studies. Students enrolling in this course must have a good command of the following mathematical tools: trigonometric functions, complex numbers (real part, imaginary part, modulus, and argument), scalar and vector products, functions of several variables, derivatives, partial derivatives, primitives, limited development to order 1, and differential equations.

These students must have completed a course in geometric optics and wave physics in order to be familiar with conjugation formulas and concepts related to wave phenomena, in particular the conditions for constructive and destructive interference and phase difference.

Recommended prerequisites:

This course is intended for students who have already completed their second year of university studies. Students taking this course must have a good command of the following mathematical tools: trigonometric functions, complex numbers (real part, imaginary part, modulus, and argument), scalar and vector products, functions of several variables, derivatives, partial derivatives, primitives, limited development to order 1, and differential equations.

These students must also master the concepts and skills related to oscillators, waves, and geometric optics.

25% 2CC 75% CT

- review of waves (general concepts, standing waves, and the notion of interference)

- Framework for studying wave optics: the scalar approximation

- Two-wave interference: conditions for obtaining it and initial approach.

- N-wave interference: the case of the network (network formula, N-wave interference pattern, resolving power)

- Interference and diffraction: Huygens' principle, Fraunhofer diffraction

- Interference and diffraction

- Real light sources: temporal coherence and spatial coherence

- Michelson interferometer: a famous two-wave interferometer.

- The Fabry-Pérot interferometer, another example of N-wave interference in optics

- Optical systems and instruments: application of diffraction and interference

- Introduction to Fourier optics

CM: 6 p.m.

TD: 6 p.m.