OPTI 380A
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Intermediate Optics Laboratory I (1 unit). Properties of electromagnetic waves, interference, the Michelson interferometer, Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction, polarization, Fresnel reflection, Brewster's angle, wave plates, coherent sources and Gaussian beams, laser cavities, gas lasers and diode lasers. Prerequisite: OPTI 310. Open to BSOSE majors only.

Instructor:
Professor Tom Milster
Optical Science, Room 729
Email: milster@arizona.edu | Phone: 626-8280
Office Hours: 1-3pm Wed, drop-in or by appointment (I am usually in my office or lab)

Course Objectives and Expected Learning Outcomes:

This lab course has been designed to closely follow OPTI 310. Physical Optics I and OPTI 370, Lasers and Photonic Devices. It provides hands-on experience with most of the concepts taught in these courses. If you are majoring in Optics, then 380A is a required course. It is strongly recommended that these courses be taken concurrently to optimize your learning.

The main objectives for this lab are to understand the basics of physical optics, interference, diffraction, Gaussian beams, laser cavities, and the electro-optical properties of gas and semiconductor lasers. A variety of optical lab techniques will also be taught.

Upon successful completion of this course, each student should:

  • be able to apply the optical principles discussed in OPTI 310 and OPTI 370;
  • be able to clearly and accurately summarize and communicate experimental procedures and results;
  • be proficient with data handling and analysis, using a computer;
  • learn common optical methods and procedures that are routinely used in the optics industry;
  • understand the safe and proper handling of basic optical equipment.
Grade Policies:
The class has no final exam. It is graded primarily on class preparation and participation, pre- and post-lab questions and reports, quizzes and lab video presentations.

Course Policies:
It is very important to attend all lab recitation sessions, as what is discussed provides the theoretical and experimental background for the next lab. If you must be absent, it is your responsibility to obtain and review the information you missed. Unannounced quizzes will be given to encourage attendance, and to help you gauge your progress in learning the material.

Attendance for all of your scheduled lab sessions is mandatory. If you miss a lab session, it may not be made up unless you have a documented medical or family emergency. Quizzes may not be made up for any reason. The lab must be made up by noon on the Monday following the lab session that you missed.

Late material will be accepted up to a week after it was due, and will be graded at 75% off. All materials that are over a week late will receive zero credit.

Cell phones and pagers must be off or silent during lectures. During laboratories, cell-phone conversations should take place in the hall outside the laboratory.

Required Textbook:
OPTI 380A Intermediate Optics Lab Manual (required--available at the EES Copy Center on campus)

Special Materials for the Class:
A lab notebook is required. All equipment for labs will be provided.

Required Extracurricular Activities: None