Syllabus (PHYSICS)

Course Type: MAJ-3

Semester: 3

Course Code: BPHSMAJ03C

Course Title: Waves and Optics

(L-P-Tu): 4-2-0

Credit: 6

Practical/Theory: Combined

Course Objective: The objective of this course is to familiarize undergraduate students with the principles of electricity and magnetism, providing a comprehensive understanding of their correlation. Students will learn about electric and magnetic fields, Gauss's Law, Ampere's Circuital Law, and Faraday's Law. Through theoretical concepts and practical applications, students will develop problem-solving skills and gain proficiency in analyzing electrical and magnetic phenomena. They will apply mathematical tools to solve complex electromagnetic problems, enhancing their quantitative abilities. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to comprehend and apply electromagnetism in various engineering, physics, and technological contexts, preparing them for advanced studies and careers in related fields.

Learning Outcome: By the end of this course, undergrad students will: a. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of electricity and magnetism principles, including electric and magnetic fields, Gauss's Law, Ampere's Circuital Law, and Faraday's Law. b. Develop problem-solving skills and apply mathematical tools to analyze and predict electrical and magnetic phenomena in various scenarios. c. Gain practical experience through laboratory experiments, enhancing their ability to conduct and interpret electrical and magnetic measurements. d. Apply electromagnetism knowledge to engineering, physics, and technological applications, fostering critical thinking and analytical abilities. e. Be prepared for advanced studies and careers in industry, physics, and related fields, equipped with a strong foundation in electromagnetism.

Semester III

CC3: Waves and Optics (Theory: 4 Credits, Practical: 2 Credits)

Course Objective:

This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of wave motion, oscillatory phenomena, as well as the principles of optics. Students will learn about the properties of waves, wave equations, and superposition. They will study harmonic oscillations, resonance, and wave interference. The course will cover topics such as light propagation, reflection, refraction, and diffraction. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze wave and oscillatory behavior, comprehend optical principles, and apply their knowledge to real-world applications.

Theory:

Superposition of Collinear Harmonic Oscillations:

Linearity and Superposition Principle. Superposition of two collinear oscillations having (1) equal frequencies and (2) different frequencies (Beats). Superposition of N-collinear Harmonic Oscillations with (1) equal phase differences and (2) equal frequency differences. Graphicaland Analytical Methods. Lissajous Figures with equal an unequal frequency and their uses. (7 Lectures)

Wave Motion

Plane and Spherical Waves. Longitudinal and Transverse Waves. Plane Progressive (Travelling) Waves. Wave Equation. Particle and Wave Velocities. Differential Equation. Pressure of a Longitudinal Wave. Energy Transport. Intensity of Wave. Water Waves: Ripple and Gravity Waves. (4 Lectures)

Superposition of Two Harmonic Waves

Standing (Stationary) Waves in a String: Fixed and Free Ends. Analytical Treatment. Phase and Group Velocities. Changes with respect to Position and Time. Energy of Vibrating String. Transfer of Energy. Normal Modes of Stretched Strings. Plucked and Struck Strings. Melde’s Experiment. Longitudinal Standing Waves and Normal Modes. Open and Closed Pipes. Superposition of N-Harmonic Waves.

(7 Lectures)

Wave Optics
Electromagnetic nature of light. Definition and properties of wave front. Huygens Principle. Temporal and Spatial Coherence. (3 Lectures)

Interference

Division of amplitude and wavefront. Young’s double slit experiment. Lloyd’s Mirror and Fresnel’s Biprism. Phase change on reflection: Stokes’ treatment. Interference in Thin Films: parallel and wedge-shaped films. Fringes of equal inclination (Haidinger Fringes); Fringes of equal thickness (Fizeau Fringes). Newton’s Rings: Measurement of wavelength and refractive index. Michelson Interferometer-(1) Idea of form of fringes (No theory required), (2) Determination of Wavelength, (3) Wavelength Difference, (4) Refractive Index, and (5) Visibility of Fringes. Fabry-Perot interferometer. (18 Lectures)

Diffraction
Single slit. Circular aperture, Resolving Power of a telescope. Double slit. Multiple slits. Diffraction grating. Resolving power of grating. Fresnel’s Assumptions. Fresnel’s Half-Period Zones for Plane Wave. Explanation of Rectilinear Propagation of Light. Theory of a Zone Plate: Multiple Foci of a Zone Plate. Fresnel’s Integral, Fresnel diffraction pattern of a straight edge, a slit and a wire. (16 Lectures)

Holography
Principle of Holography. Recording and Reconstruction Method. Theory of Holography as Interference between two Plane Waves. Point source holograms. Uses of holograms. (5 Lectures)

Laboratory Practical

List of Practicals (Any six)

1. To study Lissajous Figures.
2. To investigate the motion of coupled oscillators.
3. Familiarization with: Schuster`s focusing; determination of angle of prism.
4. To determine refractive index of the material of a prism using sodium source.
5. To determine the unknown wavelength from the μ-λ curve using He-source.
6. To determine the wavelength of sodium source using Michelson’s interferometer.
7. To determine wavelength of sodium light using Fresnel Biprism.
8. To determine wavelength of sodium light using Newton’s Rings.
9. To determine wavelength of (1) Na-source and (2) spectral lines of Hg-source using plane diffraction grating.
10. To determine dispersive power and resolving power of a plane diffraction grating.
11. To determine the specific rotation of sugar solution using polarimeter.

Reading References

Theory

1. Waves: Berkeley Physics Course, Vol. 3, F Crawford, McGraw Hill.
2. The Physics of Waves and Oscillations, N K Bajaj, Tata McGraw Hill.
3. Vibrations and Waves, A P French, CBS Publishers.
4. Oscillations and Waves, S Garg, S K Ghosh, S Gupta, Prentice Hall of India
5. Principles of Optics, M Born and E Wolf, Pergamon Press.
6. Fundamentals of Optics, F A Jenkins and H E White, McGraw Hill
7. Optics, A Ghatak, McGraw Hill
8. Optics, E Hecht, Pearson Education
9. Waves and Optics, A B Gupta, Books and Allied Pvt Ltd
10. A Textbook on Optics, N Subrahamanyam, Brij Lal, and M N Avadhanulu, S Chand and Co Pvt Ltd
11. A Text Book of Light, B Ghosh and K G Mazumdar, 2^nd Edition, ShreedharPrakashani

Practical

1. Advanced Practical Physics for Students, B L Flint and H T Worsnop, Asia Publishing House
2. Advanced practical physics, B Ghosh and K G Mazumdar, Shreedhar Publishers
3. Advanced Level Physics Practicals, M Nelson and J M Ogborn, 4^th Edition, Heinemann Educational Publishers
4. A Laboratory Manual of Physics for Udergraduate Classes, D P Khandelwal, Vani Pub.
5. An Advanced Course in Practical Physics, D Chattopadhyay and P C Rakshit, NCBA
6. Laboratory Manual of Physics, Vol 1, M Jana, Books and Allied Pvt Ltd

Course Outcome:

By the end of this course, students will:

a. Analyze wave properties and wave interference accurately.

b. Understand harmonic oscillations, resonance, and wave superposition effectively.

c. Apply optics principles to analyze light propagation, reflection, refraction, and diffraction.

d. Design and optimize optical systems for specific applications.

e. Proficiently use mathematical tools to solve complex wave and oscillation problems.

f. Demonstrate practical expertise in conducting precise wave and optics experiments.

g. Critically evaluate scientific literature in wave and optics.

h. Appreciate the significance of wave and optics in modern science and technology.

Overall, this course will provide students with a high level of competency in wave and optics, equipping them with the skills to analyze, predict, and apply wave and optical principles to solve complex problems and contribute effectively in scientific and technological endeavors.