Optics continues to play a central role in answering the most profound scientific questions of our time. Optics is at the heart of many of the world's most powerful scientific instruments, enabling modern telescopes to achieve previously unimaginable resolution, and probing general relativity with a global network of gravitational wave detectors. This course includes interferometry, electro-optic modulation, light detection, quantum noise, nonlinear optics, photonics and the use of lasers. Expert guest lecturers will describe the application of these techniques to fields such as astronomy, gravitational wave detection and nanophotonics. The course will also provide critical experimental skills with optical instrumentation needed for many areas of research. This course is the core 3rd year optics course and complements PHYS3031 which focuses on the concepts of atom-light interaction.

In this course students will:

1. Learn the principles of optical modulation and detection.

2. Understand limitations of quantum noise in optical measurements.

3. Understand nonlinear optics and photonics phenomena.

4. Be exposed to the application of optical techniques in cutting edge research areas.

5. Develop advanced laboratory and report writing skills.

 Examination 30%, laboratory 30%, assignments 30%, case study 10%

Approximately 30 lectures, 6 tutorials, 18 hours of laboratory.

Recommended PHYS 2016,  PHYS 2017

PHYS3055