Modern Optics
PHYS 310 · Module 6
This module surveys technologies and concepts that extend classical optics into modern science and engineering. Students study lasers, optical communication, holography, and introductory quantum optics.
Lessons in this module
How lasers work
Lasers produce coherent, directional, nearly monochromatic light through stimulated emission and optical feedback. This lesson explains energy levels, population inversion, and laser cavities.
Fiber optic communication
Fiber optic communication uses guided light to carry information over long distances. This lesson explains modulation, attenuation, dispersion, multiplexing, and optical networks.
Holography
Holography records both amplitude and phase information using interference. This lesson explains recording, reconstruction, coherence requirements, and applications.
Introduction to quantum optics
Quantum optics studies light at the photon level and its interaction with matter. This lesson introduces photons, single-photon interference, photon statistics, and entanglement conceptually.
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