PHYS 202(S) Waves and Optics

Wave motions are characteristic of almost every type of material, including strings, springs, water, and solids. They also describe the behavior of electromagnetic fields and elemental matter. Despite these diverse settings waves exhibit many common characteristics, so that the understanding of a few simple systems can provide insight into a wide array of phenomena. In this course we begin with the study of oscillations of simple systems with only a few degrees of freedom. We then move on to study transverse and longitudinal waves in continuous media in order to gain a general description of wave behavior. The rest of the course focuses on electromagnetic waves, and in particular on optical examples of wave phenomena. In addition to well known optical effects such as interference and diffraction, we will study a number of modern applications of optics such as short pulse lasers and optical communications. Throughout the course mathematical methods useful for higher level physics will be introduced. Lecture and discussion, three hours per week; laboratory, three hours per week.
Evaluation will be based on problem sets, lab work, a midterm, and a final exam. Prerequisite: Physics 201. Corequisite: Mathematics 210 or permission of the instructor.

Hour:  S. BOLTON