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Academic Year 2003/2004

Light and Lasers
PHYS 106 FA

Guided by lecture demonstrations, the course will first outline the important observations, interpretations, and models that are at the core of our current understanding of the nature of light. We will examine basic concepts related to the propagation of light and its interaction with matter. This understanding will then be applied to explore the working principles of lasers, special properties of laser light, and some laser applications.

MAJOR READINGS

R. Baierlein, "From Newton to Einstein -- the Trail of Light", Cambridge Univ. Press (1992) and laser related documents.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

weekly homework assignments, two short papers, an hour exam, final exam.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

This course is specifically intended for non-science majors. No previous course in physics is presupposed.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: NSM PHYS    Grading Mode: Student Option   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2004

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