Course Identification

1. Geometrical optics: The eikonal equation ; Reflection and refraction ; Snell's law ; Imaging ; Simple optical elements and the thin lens ; ABCD matrices ; Aberrations (chromatic, spherical, astigmatism) ; Aberration correction.

2. Electromagnetic waves: Maxwell equations ; Plane waves; Gaussian beams ; Polarization ; Continuity conditions ; Brewster's angle ; Vector beams ; FDTD.

3. Fourier optics: The Fourier transform. Scalar diffraction. Fresnel and Fraunhoffer approximations.

4. The angular spectrum of waves: Spatial resolution ; Lenses ; Imaging ; Imaging with coherent and with incoherent light.

5. Spatial filtering and all optical signal processing (amplitude, phase, matched filter); Spectral filtering (gratings - thin and thick, grating properties, blazing).

6. Microscopy - applications of spatial filtering and beyond: Bright field ; Dark Field ; Phase contrast ; Polarization ; DIC ; Confocal ; Structured illumination ; Sub-diffraction limited imaging (PALM/STORM, STED).

7. Optical fibers: Index guiding ; Fiber modes ; Single mode fibers ; Multimode fibers ; dispersion (mode + material). Mode matching ; Other modes of guiding (Hollow core, Omniguides, PCFs). Control of wave propagation in fibers.

Upon successful completion of this course students should be able to:

[1] Demonstrate good proficiency in topics in optical wave propagation, imaging and its limitations, Fourier domain dynamics and control.
[2] Continue with further advanced studies of various topics in atomic, molecular and optical physics.
[3] Design and understand the design of basic optical instruments for imaging and spectroscopy applications

1. M. Born & E. Wolf, "Principles of Optics".
2. J.W. Goodman, "Introduction to Fourier Optics".
3. G. P. Agrawal, "Fiber Optic Communication Systems".