What is Physical optics: Definition and 16 Discussions

In physics, physical optics, or wave optics, is the branch of optics that studies interference, diffraction, polarization, and other phenomena for which the ray approximation of geometric optics is not valid. This usage tends not to include effects such as quantum noise in optical communication, which is studied in the sub-branch of coherence theory.

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  1. brochesspro

    Effect on visibility of thin films due to interference

    So, what I do not understand 1st and foremost is, when they say "see the film", does the light have to be reflected from the film or can I consider refraction of light through thin film also a case using which image can be formed? To be honest, I have solved this question before, but the problem...
  2. P

    Question about a problem from 'Optics' by Eugene Hecht

    As the value of cos##\theta_{t}## comes out to be greater than 1 so I tried to calculate the minimum value of d the thickness of film which turned out to be approximately 173 nm. Which clearly reflects the fact that the thickness is not enough to produce the fringes. Am I right? Is the question...
  3. Jan Berkhout

    Calculate the best angle for maximum light dispersion through a medium

    I first thought that the angle would have to be maximum when it is closest to the critical angle for total internal reflection. From my lectures the equation for the critical angle is ##\theta _1>\ sin ^{-1} \left( \frac {n_2} {n_1} \right),## so as ##n_2 = 1##, we have ##\theta _1=\sin...
  4. NP04

    What are the variables in the equation λ=xd/L in Physical Optics?

    I know I have to use λ=xd/L. But I don't know what any of those variables (except lambda) mean. If you assume that 0.59 is x times d, you can get an answer that is close. 0.59/100 = 5.9*10^-3. Can someone explain the solution and meanings of variables using a diagram? (The answer to the...
  5. D

    Physical optics -- counting interfence fringes to measure a length change

  6. Nabin kalauni

    B What does coefficient of increase of physical quantity mean?

    I am extremely confused by the use of the term coefficient of increase of something. For example , if it is stated that the index of refraction varies linearly with a coefficient of 2.5×10^-5, how is this coefficient defined? Is it simply the slope of the line plotted with index of refraction on...
  7. Q

    Creating a two lens system of tunable focal length

    Hello, I would like to reduce the beam size of a laser by a factor of 10, with the purpose of replacing a long (750 mm) lens with a more compact design. Ideally I'd make a Galilean lens pair where the ratio of the focal lengths are 10:1 to produce a small collimated beam. However, I think I...
  8. M

    EM wave interacting with refelcting surface

    When trying to explain reflection through the EM treatment of light waves, how do we account for the fact that the electric/magnetic field of the incoming light would penetrate into the medium from which it is reflecting off of? Diagrams like these: show the 'reflection point' on the axis of...
  9. S

    Exploring Optics: A Visual Guide to Understanding Light and Its Properties

    Can anyone tell me a self teaching book or lecture notes on physical optics which has all the concept written in very clear and simple way with lots of example and all the related derivation done in step by step manner . As I am not so familiar with this subject but I want to start it so a good...
  10. H

    Wavefront Simulation using Geometry Optics and Physical Optics

    I am required to simulate the propagation of a the wavefront produced by a laser light (about 633 nm) passing through a system of lens and undergoes a few reflection. What I did at the moment is to do ray tracing, record the optical path length of each ray, then connect every point of the same...
  11. S

    3 questions on physical optics

    Homework Statement Hi guys, I have 3 questions on physical optics, I really don't know where to start or what equations to use. Sorry for the horrible drawings by the way http://yfrog.com/0dfigure1p 1) Coherent monochromatic light of wavelength, lambda, in air is incident on two narrow slits...
  12. N

    Solve Maximum Number of Fringes Observed from Laser Beam on Grating

    i would like to ask a que regarding physical optic,so let's nt beating abt the bush, QUE:A laser beam is incident on a 1.50 x 10^4 grove per inch diffraction grating.The wavelength of the light produced by the laser is 6.30nm and the interference pattern is observed on a screen 2.00m from the...
  13. C

    Physical Optics : Air Wedge - Interference

    Hi there, I was doing some past year paper of my coming exam...and I got the answers for the question too, but one part I'm totally blur and can't understand that well... well here goes all the questions and solution: http://server3.uploadit.org/files/chickens-phyQ.jpg...
  14. S

    Question regarding physical optics - (thickness)

    1. One of the two slits in a double-slit interference arrangement is closed with a thin strip of glass of refractive index 1.4 and the other slit is closed with a thin strip of transparent plastic with refractive index 1.7. On doing this, the centre of the interference pattern on the screen is...
  15. S

    Question regarding physical optics - (plane-polarized light)

    I have my question,solution,doubt in the attachment that followed.Thanks for anybody that spend sometime on this question.
  16. E

    Calculating Angle of Wedge in Interference Setup

    Physical Optics: Interference & Diffraction Here's my question: Two identical rectangular pieces of glass are laid on top of one another on a plane surface. A thin strip of paper is inserted between them at one end, so that a wedge of air is formed. The plates are illuminated by...
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