Quantum and Advanced Optics (PHYC90006)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
Optics and photonics are vibrant international research areas, advancing many aspects of modern life. From the determination of the structure and function of biomolecules to the study of stars and galaxies; from high-efficiency lighting to innovative display technologies, our understanding of optics relies on fundamental underpinnings in advanced quantum mechanics and wave theory.
The course includes the foundations of modern optical theory, including Fourier transforms in optics and diffraction-based imaging; non-linear optical processes such as generation of white light from femtosecond laser pulses, gigahertz optical modulators, and liquid crystal displays; light-atom interactions, the Einstein description of lasers, and optical Bloch equations; holography; quantumoptics including zero-point energy and vacuum fluctuations; quantum states of light and quantum squeezing; laser cooling of atoms, atom interferometry, and Bose-Einstein condensation.
Students will develop both analytic and computational problem-solving methods, the latter using standard tools such as MATLAB.
Intended learning outcomes
The objectives of this subject are to provide:
- understanding of classical optical diffraction theory and development of the ability to solve quantitative problems using the canonical mathematical techniques of that theory, in particular Fourier methods;
- knowledge of important optical and photonic applications of classical wave theory, in imaging and non-linear optical processes;
- understanding the semi-classical model of light-atom interactions, and its applications to laser theory and laser cooling of atoms;
- a rigorous understanding of the quantum nature of light, including both photon statistics and non-classical fields;
- an appreciation of the technological relevance of modern physical and quantum optics.
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject, students should have gained skills in:
- analysing how to solve a problem by applying simple fundamental laws to more complicated situations;
- applying abstract concepts to real-world situations;
- solving relatively complicated problems using approximations;
- participating as an effective member of a group in discussions and collaborative assignments;
- managing time effectively in order to be prepared for group discussions and undertake the assignments and exam.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYC90007 | Quantum Mechanics | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
and the following subject, or equivalent
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYC20011 | Electromagnetism and Optics | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
Four assignments totalling up to 36 pages of written work (20%), spaced equally during the semester, plus one 4-hour end-of-semester written examination (80%).
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Jeffrey McCallum Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours comprising 3 one-hour lectures/week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 24 July 2017 to 22 October 2017 Last self-enrol date 4 August 2017 Census date 31 August 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 22 September 2017 Assessment period ends 17 November 2017 Semester 2 contact information
Email: msc@physics.unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Science (Physics) Course Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering Course Master of Philosophy - Engineering Course Ph.D.- Engineering Informal specialisation Physics Major Physics - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 3 November 2022