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 2024 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2024
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 1 other task
This is the 2024 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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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 2024
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Assignments50%
- Final assessment - Exam (3 hours and 10 minutes)50%
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 3 areas of study in the 2024 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Professor Kristian Helmerson
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Alexis Bishop
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for PHS3202?
PHS3202 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is PHS3202 offered?
In 2024, 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.