Topics Covered in Notes

Superposition of Collinear Harmonic oscillations: Simple harmonic motion (SHM). Linearity and Superposition Principle. Superposition of two collinear oscillations having (1) equal frequencies and (2) different frequencies (Beats). Super-position of N collinear Harmonic Oscillations with (1) equal phase differences and (2) equal frequency differences. (6 Lectures)

Superposition of two perpendicular Harmonic Oscillations: Graphical and Analytical Methods. Lissajous Figures with equal and unequal frequencies and their uses. (2 Lectures)

Wave Motion: Plane and Spherical Waves. Longitudinal and Transverse Waves. Plane Progressive (Travelling) Waves. Wave Equation. Particle and Wave Velocities. Pressure of a Longitudinal Wave. Energy Transport. Intensity of Wave. (4 Lectures)

Superposition of Two Harmonic Waves: Standing (Stationary) Waves in a String: Fixed and Free Ends. Analytical Treatment. Phase and Group Velocities. Changes with respect to Position and Time. Energy of Vibrating String. Transfer of Energy. Normal Modes of Stretched Strings. Longitudinal Standing Waves and Normal Modes . Open and Closed Pipes. Superposition of N Harmonic Waves.

(8 Lectures)

Wave Optics: Electromagnetic nature of light. Definition and properties of wave front. Huygens Principle. Temporal and Spatial Coherence.

(4 Lectures)

Interference: Division of amplitude and wave-front. Young’s double slit experiment. Lloyd’s Mirror and Fresnel’s Biprism. Phase change on reflection: Stokes’ treatment. Interference in Thin Films: parallel and wedge-shaped films. Fringes of equal inclination (Haidinger Fringes); Fringes of equal thickness (Fizeau Fringes). Newton’s Rings: Measurement of wavelength and refractive index.

(10 Lectures)

Interferometer: Michelson Interferometer-(1) Idea of form of fringes (No theory required), (2) Determination of Wavelength, (3) Wavelength Difference, (4) Refractive Index, and (5) Visibility of Fringes. Fabry-Perot interferometer.

(6 Lectures)

Diffraction: Fraunhofer diffraction: Single slit. Rectangular and Circular aperture, Resolving Power of a telescope. Double slit. Multiple slits. Diffraction grating. Resolving power of grating. (10 Lectures)

Fresnel Diffraction: Fresnel’s Assumptions. Fresnel’s Half-Period Zones for Plane Wave. Explanation of Rectilinear Propagation of Light. Theory of a Zone Plate: Multiple Foci of a Zone Plate. Fresnel’s Integral, Cornu`s spiral and its applications. Straight edge, a slit and a wire. (10 Lectures)

Suggested Books in syllabus:

Waves: Berkeley Physics Course, vol. 3, Francis Crawford, 2007, Tata McGraw-Hill.
Fundamentals of Optics, F.A. Jenkins and H.E. White, 1981, McGraw-Hill
Principles of Optics, Max Born and Emil Wolf, 7th Edn., 1999, Pergamon Press.
Optics, Ajoy Ghatak, 2008, Tata McGraw Hill
The Physics of Vibrations and Waves, H. J. Pain, 2013, John Wiley and Sons.
The Physics of Waves and Oscillations, N.K. Bajaj, 1998, Tata McGraw Hill.
Fundamental of Optics, A. Kumar, H.R. Gulati and D.R. Khanna, 2011, R. Chand Publication