OPT100 - Introduction to Optics

Outline information
Semester
Schools offering this subject
Last revision date 2023-10-02 00:05:10.104
Last review date 2023-12-04 00:15:00.298

Subject Title
Introduction to Optics

Subject Description

This subject introduces students to the nature and behavior of light in various media. Emphasis is placed on the major theory of light as they apply to plane and curved transparent surfaces and performing advanced opticalcalculations to determine image formation through prisms and lenses

Credit Status
One credit subject toward the Opticianry Diploma Program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Define the electromagnetic radiations and calculate light wavelength, speed and frequency.
1.1 Outline visible light dualistic nature and its positions within the electromagnetic spectrum.
1.2 Identify electromagnetic spectrum radiations by their energy, frequency, wavelength and
      velocity.
1.3 Distinguish between different types of radiant energy and identify the sources for each.
1.4 Define light sources and wave fronts.
1.5 Calculate light wavelength, velocity and frequency in vacuum and different media.

2. Define visible light and explain its properties and behavior in different media.
2.1 Define light absorption, reflection, refraction and transmission.
2.2 Define light interference, dispersion, diffraction and polarization.
2.3 Discuss light rectilinear propagation.
2.4 State the sign convention rules as they apply to Geometric Optics.

3. Demonstrate light refracting properties at plane surfaces and through prisms.
3.1 State the characteristics of refractive materials.
3.2 Define refraction and Snell’s Law.
3.3 Use Snell’s Law to demonstrate light refraction at plane surfaces.
3.4 Use Snell’s law to demonstrate light refraction through prisms.
3.5 Demonstrate the relationship between the internal angles and apical angle in a prism.
3.6 Use formulae to calculate the incident and refracting angles and the index of refraction of a
      material.
3.7 Use formulae to calculate prism power, deviation and displacement.
3.8 Use ray tracing to determine a ray of light path through plane surfaces and prisms.

4. Demonstrate light refracting properties through single spherical curved surfaces.
4.1 Explain image formation by convex and concave surfaces.
4.2 Determine the incident and emergent vergence.
4.3 Determine object and image location, size, type and orientation.
4.4 Calculate surface power and radius of curvature.
4.5 Use ray tracing techniques to determine the image - object relationship.

5. Demonstrate light refracting properties through thin lenses in air.
5.1 Define thin lenses optical axis, surface and nominal power, center of curvature, focal
      points and focal lengths.
5.2 Determine the radius-power relationship of thin lenses.
5.3 Use formulae to derive dioptric power of thin lenses.
5.4 Define spherical lenses and determine object-image relationship of thin lenses.
5.5 Calculate the radii of curvature and the focal point for concave and convex surfaces.
5.6 Use the ray tracing techniques to determine the image - object relationship.
5.7 Define astigmatic lenses, principal meridians and distinguish between different forms
      of astigmatic lenses.
5.8 Transpose sphero-cylindrical lenses in (+) and (-) cylinder forms.
5.9 Determine astigmatic lens powers in various meridians and when combined.
5.10 Label the surface powers of astigmatic lenses on the optical cross.

6. Demonstrate light behavior through thick lenses and lens systems in air.
6.1 Determine the significance of optical centers, nodal and cardinal points.
6.2 Define front and back focal lengths, neutralizing power and back vertex power of a thick lens or
      of a lens system.
6.3 Determine the effect of thickness on power and the position of principal planes.
6.4 Calculate back vertex power, front vertex power and total power of thick lenses.


7. Apply the reflective properties of light at plane and curved surfaces.
7.1 State the characteristics of reflective and non-reflective materials.
7.2 Define specular and diffuse reflection.
7.3 Explain the phenomenon of reflection at plane surfaces.
7.4 Explain the phenomenon of reflection at curved surfaces.
7.5 Calculate the angle of reflection using the law of reflection and the amount of reflected light
      using Fresnel’s law of reflection.
7.6 Calculate reflected light image position, size, orientation, magnification using the vergence
     formulas.
7.7 Use ray tracing to determine the image - object relationship at plane and curved reflecting
     surfaces.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Execute mathematical operations accurately.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
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Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
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Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
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Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

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