Introduction to Geometrical Optics (3 ECTS)

Objective

In this course students will learn the basics of geometrical optics. In geometrical optics we ignore the fact that light is a wave, but even with this restriction geometrical optics is a rich field with many interesting phenomena and applications. The student will learn about the theory of colors and the laws of reflection and refraction. The theory of lenses, mirrors and image formation will be discussed, as well as some possible image errors. Other practical applications such as prisms, glass fibre and beam splitters will also be discussed.

Content

1. Theory of colors, laws of reflection and refraction.
2. Dispersion of light, prisms, total reflection.
3. Lenses, mirrors, lens and mirror defects.
4. Image formation, ray tracing.
5. Cameras, telescopes, microscopes.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

- Students’ active attendance (3 classes or more).
- Student scored 50% or more of the points of a short (±60 minutes) written exam at the end of the course.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

- Students’ active attendance (3 classes or more).
- Student scored 70% or more of the points of a short (±60 minutes) written exam at the end of the course.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

- Students’ active attendance (3 classes or more).
- Student scored 90% or more of the points of a short (±60 minutes) written exam at the end of the course.

Qualifications

Basic mathematics. No prior knowledge of optics is assumed.