Physics / advanced
Diffraction, polarization, and optical fields
Use wave propagation and Fourier methods to explain apertures, interference instruments, polarization transformations, and spatial resolution.
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Module 01 advanced
Diffraction, polarization, and optical fields
Use wave propagation and Fourier methods to explain apertures, interference instruments, polarization transformations, and spatial resolution.
- 01
Huygens–Fresnel propagation
Build scalar propagation from coherent secondary contributions while keeping phase, normalization, and approximation errors explicit.
30 min - 02
Fraunhofer diffraction and aperture transforms
Derive the far-field Fourier relation and separate normalized diffraction shape from absolute field and transmitted power.
30 min - 03
Fresnel diffraction and near fields
Retain quadratic propagation phase, estimate Fresnel-zone scales, and distinguish paraxial near fields from subwavelength evanescence.
30 min - 04
Double-slit visibility and path information
Relate fringe contrast to amplitude balance, mutual coherence, polarization overlap, and explicitly defined path-marker distinguishability.
30 min - 05
Diffraction gratings and resolving power
Sum a finite array of slit amplitudes and derive spectral resolving power separately from angular dispersion and order efficiency.
30 min - 06
Jones vectors and polarization elements
Track coherent transverse field components through polarizers and retarders with declared basis, matrix order, and phase convention.
30 min - 07
Stokes parameters and partial polarization
Replace a single coherent polarization vector by a positive coherency matrix and connect its Stokes coordinates to measurable analyzer intensities.
30 min - 08
Gaussian beams and Rayleigh range
Connect an explicitly defined Gaussian intensity radius to diffraction spreading, conserved power, wavefront curvature, and the Gouy phase.
30 min - 09
Fabry–Perot resonances and finesse
Sum repeated transmitted fields and relate intensity reflectivity, free spectral range, and resonance linewidth under explicit ideal-cavity assumptions.
30 min - 10
Evanescent waves and frustrated reflection
Derive imaginary normal wavenumber from interface phase matching, distinguish amplitude and intensity decay, and explain coupling across a finite gap.
30 min