PHS3202 Wave optics and atomic physics
Faculty of Science
PHS3202 Wave optics and atomic physics is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2027 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2027
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 1 other task
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Requisites
Overview
This unit explores topics in classical wave optics and the interactions between the photon and matter.
Optics: wave propagation and image formation, plane waves, diffraction, propagation, angular spectrum, phase contrast, interferometry, holography, focused fields, Fourier optics.
Atomic physics: Two level atoms, absorption and emission of radiation, transition probabilities and lineshapes laser cooling, dipole force and optical trapping, magnetic trapping of atoms, lasers and coherent light, laser cooling, Bose-Einstein condensation, modulation devices, optical waveguides, fibre optic communications.
Offerings in 2027
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- AssignmentsWritten50%
- Examination (3 hours and 10 minutes)Examination50%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe and perform calculations associated with fundamental concepts in wave optics.
- 2
Describe concepts and perform calculations in atomic physics.
- 3
Apply numerical modelling to solve problems in wave optics and atomic physics.
- 4
Demonstrate awareness of scientific computing methods and visualization.
- 5
Demonstrate an ability to work in teams and to communicate and discuss physics concepts.
- 6
Approach new problems and find solutions on the basis of general principles, and evaluate the appropriateness of their proposed models or solutions.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops60 hours
- Teaching approachOnline learning
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
The workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours spread across the semester (approximately 12 hours per week) - approximately an even mixture of attendance at scheduled activities and self-scheduled study time. Learning activities comprise a mixture of instructor directed, peer-directed and self-directed learning, which includes face-to-face and online engagement.
Lecture-style expositions of the assigned reading delivered as whiteboard/lightboard, and/or video recordings.
Student-led collaborative problem are either pre-workshop assigned or in-workshop problems. Problem solving will include discussions of conceptual points and exposition of problem solving approaches by groups to workshop participants.
Where it fits
PHS3202 is part of 2 areas of study in the 2027 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Dmitry Efimkin
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Dmitry Efimkin
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for PHS3202?
PHS3202 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is PHS3202 offered?
In 2027, PHS3202 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does PHS3202 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 1 other task.
Which majors and minors include PHS3202?
PHS3202 is part of Astrophysics and Physics.