Thin Film Optics (3 units). This course will provide an understanding of some of the significant physical mechanisms involved in the growth, structure and optical properties of thin films. The basic electromagnetic theory of multilayer thin films will be covered, with application to coatings including antireflection, reflection, beam splitters, dichroic filters, and bandpass filters. Examples ranging from the infrared to soft x-rays will be discussed.

Meeting Times:
Lectures T&TH 9:30 to 10:45, 16 weeks per semester

Instructor:
Charles M. Falco
Gould-Simpson Building, Room 1021
falco@u.arizona.edu | 621-6771 | FAX 621-4356

Overview:
Optical systems for wavelengths from the IR to beyond the Vacuum Ultra-Violet (VUV) require thin film coatings of various kinds to function properly.  In the visible, for example, acceptable performance of multilayer lenses would not be possible without thin-film antireflection coatings.  In the VUV or soft-x-ray regime, focusing optics are now possible using multilayer thin film coatings.  Thin films also are essential for many other optical applications, such as Schottky-barrier IR detectors, media for magneto-optical data storage, and diode lasers.

This course will provide an understanding of some of the significant physical mechanisms involved in the growth, structure and optical properties of thin films for use in the wavelength range ~1 nm–1 µm.  The basic electromagnetic theory of multilayer thin films will be covered, with application to coatings including reflection, antireflection, beam splitters, dichroic filters, and bandpass filters. Examples ranging from the IR to the soft-x-ray will be discussed.

Course Outline:

Growth of Thin Films

Physical Mechanisms Involved in the Most Common Techniques:

Sputtering

Evaporation (with emphasis on Molecular Beam Epitaxy)

Nucleation and Growth Phenomena

Structure of Thin Films

Physical Structure:

Diffraction Theory

Application of diffraction theory to x‑rays, high and low energy electrons, etc.

Chemical (Compositional) Structure:

Physical principles of specific probes, including RBS, XPS, Auger, etc.

Optical Thin Films

Theory:

Maxwell's equations; reflectance, transmittance and absorptance; Smith Chart, etc.

Optical Coatings:

Reflection, antireflection, beam splitters, dichroic filters, bandpass filters, etc.

Optical Data Storage: magneto-optical media, phase-change media, etc.

Active Optical Thin Films: diode lasers

1. "Incompletes" will only be given under very special circumstances, especially if no prior agreement with me has been made.  Note: by "prior" I mean you should see me as soon as some situation arises which you feel might keep you from completing the course. 
   
   
2. Office hours: Since experience shows that rigid office hours do not fit everyone's schedule, I have an "open door" policy where you can drop by any time you want to discuss something. However, since my office is located in a building that's a 10–15 minute walk from OSC, if you want to make sure I'll be there at a specific time, either call (621-6771) or e-mail (falco@u.arizona.edu) to schedule a mutually convenient time.  My office is on the 10th floor of Gould-Simpson, room 1021.