PHY2038 : Optics & Principles of Electromagnetism
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Dr Thomas Billam
- Lecturer: Dr Jon Goss
- Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
To enhance student’s knowledge of fundamentals of optics and its applications in optical instrumentation and laser science and technology.
To enhance the students' knowledge of electromagnetic fields and wave behaviour and how this can be used to describe quasistatic fields, waves and introduce superconductivity.
Outline Of Syllabus
Geometric optics. Lenses and mirrors.
Optical instruments. Interference, diffraction, and polarization.
Plane waves; Fourier transforms: Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction; Rayleigh criterion; Resolving power of a grating.
Fabry Perot interferometry. Gaussian modes of a cavity; Lasers and cavities.
Maxwell Equations
Basic vector algebra, definitions of Curl, Div and Grad, review quasi-static fields, Laplace and Poisson equations, continuity equation, derivation of Maxwell’s equations for static and time varying fields. Physical and engineering significance of Maxwell’s equations.
Electromagnetic Waves
Derivation of the wave equation, solution of wave equation for the transverse electromagnetic (TEM) case, plane wave concepts, wavelength, attenuation and phase constants, propagation of waves in lossless and lossy media, polarisation, wave power (Poynting vector), interaction with dielectric and conducting media and wave reflection and refraction.
Introduction to superconduction
A semi-quantitative introduction to the superconducting state; type-I and type-II superconducting materials; London equations; Josephson Junctions and SQUIDs
Relevant examples will be provided to reinforce key topics as appropriate.
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | Present in Person |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | Completion of in course assessment |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 36 | 1:00 | 36:00 | Non-Synchronous Activities |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | Synchronous On-Line Material |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured non-synchronous discussion | 18 | 1:00 | 18:00 | Non Synchronous Discussion of Lecture Material |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Office Hour or Discussion Board Activity |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 94 | 1:00 | 94:00 | Lecture preparation, coursework review, background reading |
| Total | 200:00 |
Jointly Taught With
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| MAS2804 | Vector Calculus & Differential Equations, Transforms & Waves |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Non-synchronous online materials are used for the delivery of theory and explanation of methods, illustrated with examples, and for giving general feedback on assessed work. Present-in-person and synchronous online sessions are used to help develop the students’ abilities at applying the theory to solving problems and to identify and resolve specific queries raised by students, and to allow students to receive individual feedback on marked work. Students who cannot attend a present-in-person session will be provided with an alternative activity allowing them to access the learning outcomes of that session. In addition, office hours/discussion board activity will provide an opportunity for more direct contact between individual students and the lecturer: a typical student might spend a total of one or two hours over the course of the module, either individually or as part of a group.
Alternatives will be offered to students unable to be present-in-person due to the prevailing C-19 circumstances.
Student’s should consult their individual timetable for up-to-date delivery information.
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 80 | Alternative assessment - class test |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 10 | written exercises |
| Written exercise | 2 | M | 10 | written exercises |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
A substantial formal examination is appropriate for the assessment of the material in this module. The course assessments will allow the students to develop their problem solving techniques, to practise the methods learnt in the module, to assess their progress and to receive feedback; these assessments have a secondary formative purpose as well as their primary summative purpose.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PHY2038's Timetable