Optics is the study of the nature of light, its properties, and various phenomena due to light mater interaction. The development of lasers, fiber optics, and various optical materials made optics one of the most active fields of physics.

Instructor: Dr. Abdullatif Hamad

Office: SL 2312, Phone: (618) 650-2897

Office Hours: MF 10:00-11:00 AM, W 1:00-2:00 PM, R 9:00-10:00 AM, or by appointment.

Email: ahamad@siue.edu           

Web Site: www.siue.edu/~ahamad/

Please check this web sit frequently for updates and announcements.

Text:

Optics, 4^th Ed., Eugene Hecht

Course Structure:

This is not a normal lecture course.  Rather we will spend class time working and discussing hands-on content problems. You will have available optical simulator programs to bolster intuition and symbolic processing programs to work problems and plot results. My interest is in your ability to connect the mathematics, theory, verbal, and written explanations with the real world. When you finish this course you should, at the very least, be able to find the focal length of a magnifying lens.

In order to use the class time effectively you need to come prepared. The textbook is a valuable resource. Therefore, it is essential that you read the assignments before the class time. Since many of the homework problems require collecting data it essential that you attend all classes.

Objectives:

1.      To learn and understand basic geometric optics and the wave nature of light.

2.      To learn and understand basic phenomena due to light matter interaction.

3.      To learn and understand some applications of optics.

Course Outline:

We will cover most of the material in the text. However, we will not follow the order of topics designed by the author in some cases. The material can be divided into three categories:

1.      Geometrical Optics: Ch 4, 5, and 6.

2.      Physical Optics: Ch 2-4, and 7-10.

3.      Coherent Optics: Ch 11-13.

Homework:

Approximately, there will be 1 homework (HW) set every week. Most of the homework will be web problems. The solution to the HW problems must be full and clear. This requires the use of English language and mathematical logic.

Exams:

There will be three “in class 50-minute” exams. Also, there will be a comprehensive final exam. All exams will be closed-book/closed-notes. The questions in the exams will include derivations from the book, problems from the homework, and new problems (problems that you did not see before). The use of a calculator is permitted. The use of computers, math tables, dictionaries, other written materials, and scratch papers are prohibited. I will provide you with a formula sheet. All work must be done directly on the exam papers provided. Failure to follow these rules will result in an F for the course.

Course Grade:

Course Grade will be based on exams, homework and laboratory activities.

Hourly Exams                        30% (3@10%)

Homework                             50%

Final Exam                             20%

Approximate Grade Scale:

85-100 Þ  A, 75-84Þ  B, 60-74Þ  C, 50-59Þ  D, 0-49Þ  F

Make-Ups: There will be no “make-ups” for missed homework, or exams (including the final exam). In case of illness or family crises, you must provide documentation to support your claim. The grade for the missed exam will be calculated from the average grade of the other exams. If you know in advance that you will miss assignments or an examination, please make arrangements with me ahead of that time.

Special Accommodations:

Students with special needs are encouraged to contact the instructors or Disability Support Services {RH1218, x3726} prior to the third week of the course.  If official university business requires you to miss a class, please contact the instructor in a timely fashion.

Extra Help:

You are encouraged to see me during office hours. If you want to see me at any other time you need to set an appointment by e-mail or phone.