PHY-118 - Introduction to Light and Lasers

3 credits

This course will introduce students to the principles and applications of light and lasers. Students will learn about the electromagnetic spectrum, how lenses and mirrors form images, how basic optical instruments such as microscopes and telescopes work, how a laser functions, and how prisms and diffraction gratings function are used in spectroscopy. Lasers and precision measurement, polarizers, LCDs, hair-thin strands of glass fiber in telecommunications systems, holograms will be discussed. Examples will be drawn from precision manufacturing, environmental science, homeland security and defense, telecommunications, and entertainment. Laboratory activities and demonstrations will be used extensively to supplement classroom discussions and bridge from theory to practical applications. All laboratory experiments will be conducted in the Laser-Electro-Optics Technology department labs. A basic scientific calculator (e.g., Casio FX-260 or TI-30XA) is required. This is a transferable science course for non-science majors. Honors component with permission of instructor. Some programs require a grade of C or better. Open to all students. Offered both semesters.

Prerequisite(s): MAT-124 completion with a C- or better and placement in ENG-101.

Corequisite(s): PHY 118L

Course previously known as: PHYS-180