University of Colorado at Boulder
University of Colorado at Boulder Search A to Z Campus Map CU Search Links
ECE Home

ECEN Courses

Undergraduate
Graduate
Course List
Research
Contact Us

ECEN 5156 - Physical Optics

3 credit hours

Catalog Description: This is a core course for the optics program. The course covers the application of Maxwell's equations to optical waves and media. Topics include polarization, dispersion, goemetrical optics, interference, partial coherence, and diffraction.

Prerequisite: ECEN 3410, Electromagnetic Waves and Transmission

Textbook:

Goals: To learn the fundamentals of optics that are necessary to understand the present day opto-electronic systems.

Topics:

  1. Basic electromagnetic field properties.
  2. Elementary dispersion theory.
  3. Propagation in anisotropic media.
  4. Geometrical optics.
  5. Interference and partial coherence.
  6. Scalar diffraction theory.
Computer Usage:
  1. Generally one project to be carried out on a PC.
Laboratory Projects:
  1. None.
ABET Category Content:
  • Mathematics & Basic Science: 1 credit or 33%
  • Engineering Science: 1.5 credits or 50%
  • Engineering Design: 0.5 credits or 17%