The students acquire broad theoretical and experimental knowledge of optics together with the necessary physical background. In the laboratory they acquire practical skills during application of their knowledge from lecture.
The module prepares the students to work in the field of optical science and engineering in general, and yields the base for all further specialisations within the field of optics and laser technology.

Content:
Fundamental and advanced concepts of optics. Topics include: reflection and refraction, optical properties of matter, polarisation, dielectric function and complex index of refraction, evanescent waves, dispersion and absorption of light, Seidel’s abberations, Sellmeier’s equations, optical systems, wave optics, Fourier analysis, wave packets, chirp, interference, interferometry, spatial and temporal coherence, diffraction (Huygens, Fraunhofer, Fresnel), focussing and optical resolution, brilliance, Fourier optics, optics at short wavelengths (extreme UV and X-rays).