Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Optical Techniques
Module Code	PS210
School	School of Physical Sciences
Online Module Resources
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The module is designed to introduce students to light as both a photon and a wave phenomenon, to its properties in both cases such as the photoelectric effect, interference and diffraction, to sources and detectors of light radiation and to its applications.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe light as variously a wave, a ray or a photon
2. Show that the solution to the wave equation is a travelling waves with well defined wavelength, frequency, amplitude and phase
3. Describe mathematically the properties of and perform simple calculations on simple optical systems ranging from a single thin lens to an astronomical telescope or microscope
4. Use basic Fourier methods to describe and evaluate periodic and aperiodic waves in space and time
5. Describe in words and mathematically the phenomenon of far field diffraction, illustrate the patterns observed for simple apertures such as slits, pinholes etc. and perform basic calculations on them
6. Describe in words and mathematically the phenomenon of interference by division of wavefront and amplitude and carry out basic calculations on typical experiments such as Young's double slits
7. Describe the basic operation and properties of a range of light sources such as lasers, light emitting diodes, gas discharges, etc.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	30	30 lectures totat
Tutorial	6	6 hours equivalent - tutorial/in-lecture problem solving and in-class tests
Independent learning time	100	Studying and learning lecture material, solving tutorial problems, background reading, revision, following up recommended WWW links.
Total Workload: 136

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Outline Content.
Photons, Waves and Rays, Light as an Electromagnetic Wave, Geometrical Optics and Optical Instruments, Fourier series and Transforms, Interference, Diffraction, Light Sources and Detectors, Lasers and Spectroscopy.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	30%	Examination Weight	70%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
In Class Test	Numerical problem solving	10%	Week 4
In Class Test	Numerical problem solving	10%	Week 8
In Class Test	Numerical problem solving	10%	Week 11

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List