Physics 421, Modern Optics aims to provide a practical introduction to modern optics.  The course has an online and a laboratory component and covers the fundamental principles of modern physical optics and optical systems. 
Topics include geometrical optics (ray-tracing, aberrations, lens design, apertures and stops), radiometry and photometry, diffraction and interference, polarization, coherence, Fourier optics, holography, image quality analysis, fiber optics, nonlinear optics, and acousto- and electro-optics.

Modern optical techniques are used in many areas of research and in everyday life and experience with lasers and modern optical techniques gives students an career advantage.

Physics 421 is not an E&M class.  We refer to results that you will derive in an E&M class, but we usually skip the derivation unless understanding the details of the derivation is necessary to understand the optical phenomenon .

I have designed the class material to promote self-study, spaced learning, retrieval practice, and practice testing.

Class structure

Spaced learning:

The class material is divided into modules.  Each module is divided into sub-modules and is associated with a lab.

• Carefully study the class material for the sub-module before the day shown on the reading schedule.

Self study: (Read and Think)

• You have to study the material linked on the schedule.  This is the material the assignments refer to.  Read it slowly.  It is not an extremely large amount of material.  Ask yourself if you understand the concepts and how to apply them.  Study the solved problems.  Could you now solve them without looking at the solutions?

Retrieval practice

• A lab is associated with every module.  You will complete the lab after you have studied the material for this module.  In the lab you apply what you have learned in the module.  You have to recall the important concepts to complete the lab.  Submit each lab report on Canvas before its due date. 

Practice testing

• A homework assignment associated with each module lets you check your understanding of the material.  Submit all assignments associated with a module on Canvas before their due date. 

Leveraging AI for Mastery

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is integrated as a foundational study tool.  Physics can be challenging because it requires both abstract mathematical skills and physical intuition.  Modern AI tools, when used correctly, can act as a 24/7 personalized tutor to bridge these gaps.
• How to Use AI in This Course
  • Instead of asking an AI for the "answer" to a question, you should use it to interrogate your own understanding.
  • Ask the AI to walk you through the logic of a concept without giving you the final answer.
  • If a concept feels too abstract, ask the AI to explain it using a real-world scenario relevant to your interests.
  • If you get a numeric answer wrong on a problem, paste your reasoning into the AI and ask it to find the flaw in your logic.
• Designing Your Own Prompts
  To get the most out of AI, you need to provide context.  A "Good Prompt" defines the AI's role and the specific learning goal.
  Example prompts are embedded in the class material.

More details on using AI as a Socratic tutor are on this page.

Your class grade will be based on the points you received for the homework assignments, the lab reports, and a final project report.  There will be no formal tests.