Mahatma Gandhi University
Kottayam
Programme BSc (Hons) Physics
Course Name Introduction to Optics
Type of Course DSE
Course Code MG3DSEPHY203
Course Level 200
The primary goal of the course is to explore the fundamental nature
Course Summary of light. Key topics covered include the principles of geometrical and
wave optics, as well as various optical systems.
Semester 3 Credits 4
Total
Lecture Tutorial Practical Others Hours
Learning
Course Details
Approach
3 0 1 0 75
Pre-requisites, if
Nil
any
COURSE OUTCOMES (CO)
CO Learning PO
Expected Course Outcome
No. Domains * No
1 Explain the concepts and theories of light. U 1
Understand the concepts of speed, frequency and wavelength
2 U 1
of light
3 Understand certain optical phenomenon U, A, An 1, 2
5 Apply the basic ideas of geometric optics U, A, An 1, 2
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6 Apply the basic ideas of wave optics U, A 1, 2
7 Analyse some basic optical systems U, A, An 1, 2
8 To apply the concepts of optical phenomena in experiments. U, A, S 1, 2
*Remember (K), Understand (U), Apply (A), Analyse (An), Evaluate (E), Create (C),
Skill (S), Interest (I) and Appreciation (Ap)
COURSE CONTENT
Content for Classroom transaction (Units)
CO
Module Units Course description Hrs
No.
1 Fundamentals of Optics 15
Light- Theories - Newton’s corpuscular theory; Huygens’
1.1 wave theory; Maxwell’s electromagnetic theory; Planck’s 4 1
quantum theory; dual nature- particle & wave nature
Speed, wavelength & frequency of light. Fermats’ principle-
1.2 laws of reflection & refraction at a plane surface using 3 2, 3
Fermats’ principle.
Snells’ law, relative and absolute refractive indices, total
1.3 3 3
internal reflection and Critical angle,
1.4 Geometrical path length & optical path length of rays. 2 3
Concept of wavefronts & rays, concept of vergence-
1.5 3 3,4
divergence, convergence.
Geometric and wave optics 15
2
Introduction to Geometrical optics:
2.1 Paraxial approximation; Matrix method in paraxial optics: 5 5
Translational matrix, reflection matrix, refraction matrix;
Application: Thick and thin lens matrices, Derivation of Lens
2.2 3 5
maker’s formula.
Introduction to Wave Optics:
2.3 Wavefront and Huygens principle, reflection and refraction of 4 4,6
plane wave at a plane surface using wave fronts
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Proof of laws of reflection and refraction using Huygens
2.4 3 4, 6
principle.
Optical systems 15
3
3.1 Apertures, F-number, Numerical aperture, Depth of focus. 5 7
Examples of Optical Systems: Telescopes, Cameras,
3.2 Microscopes. 5 7
Aberrations: Diffraction limit; Chromatic and monochromatic
3.3 aberrations 5 7
Practical 30
4
Investigate the properties of lenses, such as focal length
1 and image formation, using convex lens with various 8
objects and screen distances.
Investigate the properties of lenses, such as focal length
2 and image formation, using concave lens with various 8
objects and screen distances.
Demonstrate the law of reflection using mirrors and
3. incident light rays at various angles. 8
Design and Explore the law of refraction using a tank of
4. water and a light source. 8
Perform spectroscopic analysis using a spectrometer to
5 identify spectral lines, measure wavelengths and 8
frequency.
Design and Demonstration of double slit experiment to
6 obtain the interference pattern using simple set up. 8
Design and Demonstrate total internal reflection using
7 a transparent material like acrylic or glass and a light 8
source.
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Use a lens setup to observe and quantify different types
8 of aberrations 8
Familiarisation experiments using telescope:(one)
9 ● Determination of focal length of objective . 8
● Measurement of angular sizes
Familiarisation experiments using microscope (one)
10 ● Measurement of diameter/length 8
● Thickness of any thin sheets (glass, paper etc)
Teacher Specific Content
5
Teaching and Classroom Procedure (Mode of transaction)
Learning
Approach Lecture, Tutorial, Practical, Demonstration.
MODE OF ASSESSMENT
A. Continuous Comprehensive Assessment (CCA)
Theory: 25 marks
Formative assessment
Assessment
● Quiz
Types
● Assignment
● Seminar
Summative assessment
● Written test
Practical:15 marks
● Lab involvement
● Viva
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B. End Semester Examination
Theory: 50 marks, duration 1.5 hrs
● Short answer type questions: Answer any 7 questions out of
10(7*2=14)
● Short essay-type questions: Answer any 4 questions out of 6(4*6=24)
● Essay type questions: Answer any 1 question out of 2(1*12=12)
Practical: 35 marks, duration 2 hrs
● Lab Exam:30 marks
● Record: 5 marks
Textbook
1. Hecht, Eugene. Optics, 5e. Pearson Education India, 2002.
2. Subrahmanyam, N. A textbook of Optics. S. Chand Publishing, 2012.
References
1. Geometric and Physical Optics - R. S. LONGURST : Longman; 3rd edition
2. Introduction to Geometrical Optics- Milton Katz
3. Shankar R. Fundamentals of Physics II – Electromagnetism, Optics, and
Quantum Mechanics: (The Open Yale Courses Series) Yale University Press
2019.
4. Ghatak, A. K. Optics 7th Edition McGraw Hill 2020.
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