Experiments in physical optics for undergraduate and graduate classes. Provides the theoretical basis of each experiment and describes the apparatus required and necessary adjustments. Most of the experiments require only lenses, prisms, mirrors, and polarizers, and can be projected on a lecture screen or viewed by television.

What is light? Where are optics and photonics present in our lives and in nature? What lies behind different optical phenomena? What is an optical instrument? How does the eye resemble an optical instrument? How can we explain human vision? This book, written by a group of young scientists, answers these questions and many more.

This book provides a comprehensive guide to a wide range of optical experiments. Topics covered include classical geometrical and physical optics, polarization, scattering and diffraction, imaging, interference, wave propagation, optical properties of materials, and atmospheric and relativistic optics. There are a few selected suggestions on lasers and quantum optics. The book is an essential practical guide for optics students and their mentors at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The experiments described are based on the author's experience during many years of laboratory teaching in several universities and colleges and the emphasis is on setups which use equipment that is commonly available in student labs, with minimal dependence on special samples or instruments. A basic background in physics and optics is assumed, but commonly encountered problems and mistakes are discussed. There are several appendices describing specialized points which are difficult to locate in the literature, and advice is provided about computer simulations which accompany some of the experiments. Key Features Describes experiments in a wide range of optical topics, which an advanced undergraduate student will be acquainted with Emphasizes how to carry out the experiments in a student laboratory, without the need for specialized equipment

This book compiles over 40 experiments in optics which will be of interest to university, college, and high school students, as well as practicing engineers. These experiments deal with lenses, mirrors, gratings, polarizers, optical windows, optical filters, beam splitters, light sources, and light detectors. Each experiment is clearly described, and concise, easy-to-understand theory is provided to explain the principles underlying them. Appendices provide photos, schematics, specifications, and relevant spectral plots of the optical components, as well as optomechanical components.

Experiments in physical optics for undergraduate and graduate classes. Provides the theoretical basis of each experiment and describes the apparatus required and necessary adjustments. Most of the experiments require only lenses, prisms, mirrors, and polarizers, and can be projected on a lecture screen or viewed by television.

What do CDs, lamps, lasers, and microwave ovens all have in common? They all use the power of light and optics! From ancient times when scientists puzzled over the effects of the Sun on Earth to today, where scientists and engineers use lasers to make precise cuts in metal, people have been fascinated by light and optics. In this book, you’ll delve into this incredible subject and learn how light can bend and bounce. You’ll understand how scientists use light to send data from one side of the world to the other. And, you’ll have fun discovering new things to do with flashlights and mirrors. These experiments and activities can be used as a starting point for science fair projects, or you can do them just for fun. Either way, you’ll find out a lot about the properties of light!

A concise, yet deep introduction to geometrical optics, developing the practical skills and research techniques routinely used in modern laboratories. Suitable for both students and self-learners, this accessible text teaches readers how to build their own optical laboratory, and design and perform optical experiments.