Optics from Beginner to Expert - The Physics of Light from Udemy

This course is for everyone who wants to learn about optics: Beginners to experts.

A bit of high school mathematics (trigonometry, equations) is all you need to know to get started.

The fundamental question of optics is: 'What is light?' Is light a ray or a beam that can be fully described by geometry? Is light a wave that can interfere with other waves and can bend around corners? Does light consist of particles that have an energy and a momentum just like electrons or even macroscopic objects like a football? Here, we will discuss all of these approaches based on theory and experiments. I can guarantee that you will learn a lot no matter what your current skill level is. For advanced students: The later lectures about wave and quantum optics are on a university level.

You are kindly invited to join this carefully prepared course in which we derive the following concepts from scratch. I will present examples and have prepared quizzes and exercises for all topics.

Geometrical optics (3 hours)

Reflection & Mirrors
Refraction & Lenses
Applications: Eye, Microscope & Telescope

Wave optics (or physical optics) (8.5 hours)

Experiments & Phenomenological description (incl. introduction about derivatives and differential equations)
Diffraction, interference & Polarization
Theory based on Maxwell’s equations (incl. introduction to complex numbers)
Electromagnetic waves in matter: Derivation of the Fresnel equations & Complex refractive indices

Quantum optics (4.5 hours)

Photons: Quantum description of light (Photoelectric effect, Compton effect)
Applications: LASER & Solar cell
Introduction to quantum mechanics

Outlook: Modern optics phenomena

Why me?

My name is Börge Göbel and I am a postdoc working as a scientist in theoretical physics. Therefore, I use presented concepts very often but I have not forgotten the time when I learned about it and still remember the problems that I and other students had. I have refined my advisor skills as a tutor of Bachelor, Master and PhD students in theoretical physics and have other successful courses here on Udemy.

I hope you are excited and I kindly welcome you to our course.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Geometrical optics: reflection & refraction for understanding mirrors & lenses
Wave optics: diffraction, interference & polarization of light as a wave explained by huygens' principle & electrodynamics
Quantum optics: energy, momentum & spin of light as photons
Famous experiments: double-slit experiment, photoelectric effect, compton effect & many more

Solar cells & laser as modern light technologies
Mathematical descriptions and derivations: from maxwell's equations to fresnel equations
Exercises and applications of cool phenomena like birefringence & dichroism
Modern optics phenomena like holography & fourier optics

Geometrical optics: reflection & refraction for understanding mirrors & lenses
Wave optics: diffraction, interference & polarization of light as a wave explained by huygens' principle & electrodynamics
Quantum optics: energy, momentum & spin of light as photons
Famous experiments: double-slit experiment, photoelectric effect, compton effect & many more
Solar cells & laser as modern light technologies
Mathematical descriptions and derivations: from maxwell's equations to fresnel equations
Exercises and applications of cool phenomena like birefringence & dichroism
Modern optics phenomena like holography & fourier optics

Syllabus

Introduction & Overview

Structure of this course

Light throughout history & Overview of this course

Download the slides

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Begins with geometrical optics, which builds a strong foundation for understanding reflection, refraction, mirrors, and lenses, making it accessible to beginners

Progresses to wave and quantum optics, covering advanced topics like Maxwell's and Fresnel equations, which are suitable for university-level learners

Includes exercises and quizzes for each topic, which provides hands-on practice and reinforces learning, making it suitable for various learning styles

Requires a basic understanding of high school mathematics, including trigonometry and equations, which may be a barrier for some absolute beginners

Covers modern applications such as solar cells and lasers, which gives learners an edge in understanding current light technologies

Includes optional sections on mathematical basics like derivatives and complex numbers, which may be necessary for understanding the wave optics sections

Reviews summary

Comprehensive physics of light overview

According to learners (simulated based on course content), this course offers a comprehensive overview of optics, moving from geometrical basics through wave optics to an introduction to quantum optics. While it positions itself for 'Beginners to Experts', the consensus (inferred) is that the transition from the initial sections to the later, more advanced material can be quite challenging, particularly for true beginners or those without a solid math background beyond high school. The course has a strong theoretical focus, delving into mathematical derivations including Maxwell's equations and complex numbers. Learners (simulated) appreciate the instructor's clear expertise in theoretical physics. It provides a robust foundation for understanding the physics of light across different paradigms.

Requires understanding of advanced math concepts.

"Be prepared for complex numbers and differential equations in the wave optics section."

"The course dives into the mathematical derivations, which was great for a deeper understanding."

"While math intros are provided, having prior familiarity is very helpful."

Focuses heavily on the theoretical physics.

"The derivations from first principles were a highlight for me."

"This course provided a solid theoretical understanding of optics."

"If you want the physics behind the phenomena, this course delivers."

Instructor is knowledgeable in the field.

"The instructor clearly knows the material inside and out."

"His explanations of complex topics showed deep expertise."

"It's great to learn from someone working in theoretical physics."

Covers optics from geometry to quantum.

"I appreciated how the course touched upon geometrical, wave, and quantum optics."

"The syllabus covers a vast range of topics, offering a broad view of light physics."

"It was useful to see how the different descriptions of light connect."

Jumps from beginner basics to advanced topics.

"The initial geometrical optics part was easy, but the jump to Maxwell's equations felt very steep."

"As a beginner, I found the transition to wave and quantum optics quite challenging."

"You definitely need more than just high school math preparation for the later sections."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Optics from Beginner to Expert - The Physics of Light with these activities:

Review Trigonometry

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Reinforce your understanding of trigonometric functions and identities, which are essential for understanding geometrical optics and wave phenomena.

Browse courses on Trigonometry

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Review trigonometric ratios (sine, cosine, tangent) and their relationships.
Practice solving problems involving triangles and angles.
Familiarize yourself with trigonometric identities.

Follow online tutorials on ray tracing

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Improve your understanding of image formation by following online tutorials on ray tracing techniques.

Browse courses on Ray Tracing

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Search for online tutorials on ray tracing for lenses and mirrors.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, drawing ray diagrams for different lens and mirror configurations.
Practice ray tracing for various object distances and lens/mirror parameters.

Read 'Optics' by Eugene Hecht

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Supplement your learning with a widely respected textbook that provides a more detailed and rigorous treatment of the topics covered in the course.

View Optics,5/Ed on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Optics' by Eugene Hecht.
Read the chapters relevant to the course syllabus, focusing on geometrical optics, wave optics, and quantum optics.
Work through the example problems and exercises in the book.

Four other activities

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Solve problems on lenses and mirrors

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Solidify your understanding of geometrical optics by working through a variety of problems involving lenses and mirrors.

Browse courses on Lenses

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Find practice problems on lenses and mirrors in textbooks or online resources.
Solve the problems, paying attention to sign conventions and image formation rules.
Check your answers and review the solutions to understand any mistakes.

Build a simple telescope

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Apply your knowledge of geometrical optics by building a simple telescope and understanding how it works.

Browse courses on Lenses

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Research different telescope designs, such as refracting and reflecting telescopes.
Gather the necessary materials, including lenses or mirrors, a tube, and a mount.
Assemble the telescope according to your chosen design.
Test the telescope and adjust the focus to obtain clear images.

Create a presentation on the double-slit experiment

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Deepen your understanding of wave optics by creating a presentation that explains the double-slit experiment and its implications.

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Research the double-slit experiment and its historical context.
Prepare slides that explain the experimental setup, results, and interpretation.
Include diagrams and animations to illustrate the wave nature of light.
Practice your presentation to ensure clarity and conciseness.

Explore 'Quantum Optics' by Scully and Zubairy

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Expand your knowledge of quantum optics with a classic textbook that delves into the theoretical foundations of the field.

View Quantum Optics on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Quantum Optics' by Scully and Zubairy.
Focus on chapters related to the photoelectric effect, Compton effect, and laser theory.
Work through the mathematical derivations and example problems.

Career center

Learners who complete Optics from Beginner to Expert - The Physics of Light will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Optical Engineer

Optical engineers design, develop, and test optical systems and components. This course helps build a foundation in the fundamental principles of optics, including geometrical optics, wave optics, and quantum optics. This is useful for optical design, system integration, and troubleshooting. The course's practical examples, exercises, and discussion of modern optical phenomena such as holography provide direct relevance in the field of optical engineering. A professional in this role would benefit from the course's approach of deriving concepts from scratch.

See salaries and explore the career path for Optical Engineer

Optical Designer

Optical designers create optical systems for various applications, such as cameras, microscopes, and telescopes. This course helps build a strong foundation in geometrical optics, including reflection, refraction, mirrors, and lenses. The course's coverage of wave optics and quantum optics also help provide a comprehensive understanding of light. The exercises and application to real-world tools such as the eye will add practical value to the knowledge of an optical designer. The course will appeal to prospective optical designers who want a comprehensive overview of the principles that underpin this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Optical Designer

Photonics Engineer

Photonics engineers work with devices that generate, control, and detect light. This course will be useful to photonics engineers as it provides a thorough introduction to the physics of light, covering geometrical, wave, and quantum optics. A professional in this role would benefit the course's detailed explanations of diffraction, interference, and polarization, as well as its inclusion of modern light technologies like solar cells. The course's mathematical derivations and problem-solving exercises also build a strong background.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photonics Engineer

Research Scientist

Research scientists conduct experiments and analyze data to advance scientific knowledge. This course will be useful to research scientists, particularly those who work in fields related to optics or physics. The course reviews fundamental principles of light, from geometrical to quantum, and introduces various experimental techniques, such as the double-slit experiment and the photoelectric effect. The mathematical derivations and theoretical explanations, such as the derivation of Fresnel's equations, will provide an important background for a career in research. The breadth of the course also helps to provide a good overall background.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Physics Researcher

A physics researcher investigates fundamental scientific principles; many focus their work on optics, photonics, or related fields. This course may be helpful to physics researchers, as it covers the essential theories and experiments, from geometrical to quantum optics. The course's mathematical descriptions and derivations, including Maxwell's and Fresnel equations, are especially relevant to those who take a theoretical approach to research. The course also discusses the wave nature of light which is vital to understand in quantum mechanics. The inclusion of modern topics such as solar cells and laser technology will also appeal to a budding physicist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physics Researcher

Instrumentation Engineer

Instrumentation engineers design, develop, and maintain instruments and control systems. This course may be helpful for instrumentation engineers who work with optical or photonic instrumentation. The course offers a thorough exploration of optics, from geometrical to quantum, which are crucial for building and operating optical instruments. The mathematical descriptions and derivations, such as Maxwell's equations and Fresnel equations, will also be useful for the design of these instruments. The practical examples will assist with troubleshooting and practical implementation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instrumentation Engineer

Laser Technician

Laser technicians install, maintain, and repair laser equipment. This course, with its comprehensive coverage of light from geometrical to quantum levels, may be useful to those who work with lasers. The course introduces the principles of quantum optics and discusses lasers as a modern light technology. The practical exercises and examples will help a laser technician gain a deeper understanding of how these devices function. The course also helps build a foundation with respect to wave optics and diffraction, which are applicable when working with laser beams.

See salaries and explore the career path for Laser Technician

Materials Scientist

Materials scientists study the properties of materials and create new ones. This course may be useful for materials scientists whose interests include optical properties. The course covers how light interacts with matter, including reflection, refraction, and polarization. It also discusses complex refractive indices and the Fresnel equations. The course's mathematical derivations will assist a materials scientist in understanding the physics behind optical phenomena. Those who want to work with materials with novel optical properties will find a strong background here.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Science Educator

Science educators teach scientific topics at various levels. This course provides a comprehensive overview of optics, from basic concepts to advanced topics. The course can help aspiring science educators who wish to convey these topics with practical examples, and would benefit from the course's approach of deriving concepts from scratch. The various quizzes and exercises can also provide valuable insight into pedagogy. Topics such as wave and quantum optics will be particularly helpful for science educators who teach at a college or university level.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Educator

Astronomy Researcher

Astronomy researchers study celestial objects and phenomena. This course may be useful to astronomy researchers, as it covers many optical principles that are relevant in telescope design and astronomical observations. The course's coverage of geometrical optics, reflection, and refraction is useful for those who work with lenses and mirrors in astronomical instruments. The course also helps build a foundation in wave optics, which is critical when analyzing light from space. This course will help those who want a deeper understanding of the physics of light.

See salaries and explore the career path for Astronomy Researcher

Test Engineer

Test engineers design and conduct tests on products and systems. This course may be useful for test engineers working with optical or photonic components. The course will help any test engineer who needs a comprehensive introduction to the principles of optics. The course’s coverage of geometrical, wave, and quantum optics will help with an understanding of equipment performance. It also covers phenomena such as diffraction, interference, and polarization. Professionals in this role will appreciate the course's practical examples and exercises.

See salaries and explore the career path for Test Engineer

Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical engineers apply engineering principles in healthcare and medicine. This course may be useful to biomedical engineers who work with optical diagnostic or therapeutic tools. The course touches on geometrical and wave optics, which are fundamental to understanding how light interacts with biological tissues. The course’s discussion of lenses, microscopes, and other optical components will help in the design and use of medical devices. Any biomedical engineer who wants to understand the physics of light for medical applications may find it a good fit.

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Systems Engineer

Systems engineers oversee the integration of various components into a complex system. This course provides a broad foundation that may be useful to systems engineers working with optical or photonic systems. The course covers many aspects of optics, including geometrical, wave, and quantum principles. The topics of mirrors, lenses, and diffraction can assist a systems engineer with system design. The course’s approach of deriving concepts from scratch will add to a systems engineer's understanding of system components.

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Software Engineer

Software engineers design and develop software applications. While this course is not directly related to software development, it may be useful to software engineers who work on applications involving image processing or analysis, such as scientific or medical imaging software. This course may be helpful in understanding the physics involved in the behavior of light when building these kinds of software products. The course's focus on mathematics and problem solving helps an engineer with their core skillset. This course may also broaden software engineers' understanding of the physical world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Analyst

Data analysts collect, process, and interpret large datasets. While this course is not directly related to data analysis, its emphasis on mathematical concepts and problem-solving helps build valuable quantitative skills. Those who wish to work in a highly technical field could use this course to deepen their background knowledge in physics. The course may be useful to data analysts who work with optical data, such as in astronomy. This course can increase analytical reasoning abilities, which is beneficial in any field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Optics from Beginner to Expert - The Physics of Light.

Optics

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Comprehensive resource covering geometrical, physical, and quantum optics. It provides in-depth explanations and numerous examples, making it an excellent reference for understanding the theoretical concepts presented in the course. It is commonly used as a textbook in university-level optics courses. Reading this book will significantly enhance your understanding of the subject matter.

Optics,5/Ed

Paperback

Quantum Optics

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Provides a rigorous treatment of quantum optics, covering topics such as photon statistics, coherence, and laser theory. While advanced, it offers a deeper understanding of the quantum nature of light and its applications. It valuable resource for students interested in pursuing further study in quantum optics. This book expands on the quantum optics section of the course.

Optics from Beginner to Expert - The Physics of Light

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive physics of light overview

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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