Laboratory Course in Optics

Objectives:

The course objective is to make the student familiar with both historically important optical experiments and modern optical instruments and methods. The student will also have the opportunity to learn how to use and calibrate optical measuring equipment and identify sources of error and uncertainty in practical work. In addition, the student will learn to present experimental results in the form of a scientific report, both written and oral.

Content:

This course gives a practical introduction to the field of optics. Laboratory exercises are in focus, however there might also be an opportunity for field work. The following topics are addressed: Polarization, diffraction, interference, spatial filtering, scattering and absorption of light from particles in water and air.

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student can

• understand the physics principles behind the experiments.
• identify errors in the experiments.
• understand the functions of components used in the experiments.

Skills

The student can

• use basic optical equipment in the laboratory to carry our experiments
• write scientific reports that in a clear way presents the experimental work
• give an oral presentation of the experimental work

General competence

The student can

• explain the theoretical and practical limitations of laboratory experiments
• assess the quality of their own results based on critical thinking