It is with great pleasure that we present this book titled “Optics” for the undergraduate students of F.Y.B.Sc., Semester-II, under the Physics – Paper-I – Major Course at the University of Mumbai. This book is designed in alignment with the syllabus prescribed by University of Mumbai as per New Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The field of optics, with its profound applications and theoretical elegance, forms a cornerstone of foundational physics education. The primary aim to provide an accessible yet comprehensive exploration of key optical phenomena and principles.
The content in this book is structured across two units, aiming to cultivate a deep understanding of fundamental concepts while encouraging critical thinking and problem solving skills among undergraduate students.
Unit I delves into the study of lenses, covering essential topics such as the lens maker’s equation, magnification, and the power of lenses. It also introduces readers to the fascinating realm of lens aberrations, providing a qualitative understanding of spherical and chromatic aberrations along with their reduction techniques. Suitable numerical problems are included to reinforce theoretical concepts and enhance analytical skills.
Unit II addresses advanced topics such as diffraction, interference, and polarization. The chapter on Fresnel diffraction presents Huygens-Fresnel’s theory and distinguishes between interference and diffraction, while Fraunhoffer diffraction is explored through single and double-slit patterns. A dedicated section on Michelson’s Interferometer explains its principle, construction, and significant applications, including wavelength measurement and refractive index determination. The final section on polarization discusses its types and applications, rounding out the unit with an essential facet of optical phenomena.
Each topic is presented with clarity, blending theoretical discussions with practical applications and problem solving exercises. The book is tailored to meet the academic requirements of F.Y.B.Sc. students while fostering an appreciation of optics as a field that bridges classical physics and modern technological advancements.
Contents –
Unit I
Chapter 1 Lenses and Lens Maker’s Equation
Chapter 2 Magnification by a Lens and Power of Lens
Chapter 3 Introduction to Aberration in Lenses
Unit II
Chapter 4 Fresnel Diffraction
Chapter 5 Fraunhoffer Diffraction
Chapter 6 Michelson’s Interferometer
Chapter 7 Polarization
