525.756.3VL - Optical Propagation, Sensing, and Backgrounds

Expanded Course Description

            This course presents a unified perspective on optical propagation in linear media.  A basic background is established using electromagnetic theory, quantum theory, scatteroscopy and spectroscopy.  Properties of the classical optical field and propagation media (gases, solids and liquids) are developed, leading to basic expressions of their interaction.  Absorption line-strength and shape, reflection from surfaces, and scattering are derived and applied to atmospheric transmission, optical window materials, and propagation in water-based liquids.  Applications are presented for each type of medium.  A survey of experimental techniques and associated hardware is also given if time allows.  Computer codes such as MODTRAN, FASCODE and LBLRTM are discussed.  The HITRAN database is also presented.

Prerequisites: Undergraduate courses on electromagnetic theory, elementary quantum mechanics, and lasers.  A course on Fourier Optics would be helpful.

Course Structure

COURSE OUTLINE

Week

 #

1. Review of electromagnetic theory emphasizing Gaussian beams, the complex index of refraction,

&         Hilbert transforms (Kramers-Krönig relation), radiation transfer and the total power law as applied

2. to optical frequencies. Scattering and polarization are also introduced.

3. Introductory development of the microscopic properties of matter and quantum mechanics. Topics

&         include the rotational, vibrational, and electronic structure of gases, and the phonon and electronic

4. band structure of solids.

5. The interaction between the electromagnetic field and matter is presented. This begins with a

&         classical description and then a quantum model is developed.  The Einstein relation is derived and

6. formulas on transition line-strength and line-shape are discussed. A presentation of Maxwell-Boltzmann and Bose-Einstein statistics, and detailed balance are included. Scattering is developed in terms of classical Rayleigh scattering.

7. Midterm exam (in class, March 10 half class

            Experimental apparatus and techniques. Transmission and reflection measurements with spectrometers and lasers, and scattering measurements are discussed (time permiting)

8. Optical propagation in the atmosphere.

&         Molecular absorption and refraction by N2, O2, H2O, CO2, etc., molecular and particulate scattering,

• 9 and continuum absorption are covered. Using the formulas for line-strength and line-shape, models of molecular absorption by the atmosphere of the earth are obtained. The results are applied to range calculations, atmospheric refraction, molecular and aerosol scattering, and other topics of concern. In particular, the popular AFGL codes MODTRAN and FASCODE are discussed.

10. Optical properties of window materials.

&         Using the background established in the first half of the course, models describing one-phonon and

11. multiphonon processes, free-carrier effects, the electronic band edge, and Rayleigh scattering are developed. These models are applied to a variety of materials such as oxides, fluorides, sulfides, alkali-halides, semiconductors, and metals.  A representation in terms of the complex index of refraction is obtained. Applications to laser windows, and fiber optics are examined.

12. Optical properties of water. Applications, selected topics from: Remote sensing; The Boltzmann thermometer, pyrometers and Lidar/ Propagation in seawater/ Fiber optics.

13. Applications continued and propagation noise.

            Seminar (presentation of research papers.) 

14. Final exam (take home, due May 5) Open lecture?

Course Topics

COURSE OUTLINE

Week

 #

1. Review of electromagnetic theory emphasizing Gaussian beams, the complex index of refraction,

&         Hilbert transforms (Kramers-Krönig relation), radiation transfer and the total power law as applied

2. to optical frequencies. Scattering and polarization are also introduced.

3. Introductory development of the microscopic properties of matter and quantum mechanics. Topics

&         include the rotational, vibrational, and electronic structure of gases, and the phonon and electronic

4. band structure of solids.

5. The interaction between the electromagnetic field and matter is presented. This begins with a

&         classical description and then a quantum model is developed.  The Einstein relation is derived and

6. formulas on transition line-strength and line-shape are discussed. A presentation of Maxwell-Boltzmann and Bose-Einstein statistics, and detailed balance are included. Scattering is developed in terms of classical Rayleigh scattering.

7. Midterm exam (in class, March 10 half class

            Experimental apparatus and techniques. Transmission and reflection measurements with spectrometers and lasers, and scattering measurements are discussed (time permiting)

8. Optical propagation in the atmosphere.

&         Molecular absorption and refraction by N2, O2, H2O, CO2, etc., molecular and particulate scattering,

• 9 and continuum absorption are covered. Using the formulas for line-strength and line-shape, models of molecular absorption by the atmosphere of the earth are obtained. The results are applied to range calculations, atmospheric refraction, molecular and aerosol scattering, and other topics of concern. In particular, the popular AFGL codes MODTRAN and FASCODE are discussed.

10. Optical properties of window materials.

&         Using the background established in the first half of the course, models describing one-phonon and

11. multiphonon processes, free-carrier effects, the electronic band edge, and Rayleigh scattering are developed. These models are applied to a variety of materials such as oxides, fluorides, sulfides, alkali-halides, semiconductors, and metals.  A representation in terms of the complex index of refraction is obtained. Applications to laser windows, and fiber optics are examined.

12. Optical properties of water. Applications, selected topics from: Remote sensing; The Boltzmann thermometer, pyrometers and Lidar/ Propagation in seawater/ Fiber optics.

13. Applications continued and propagation noise.

            Seminar (presentation of research papers.) 

14. Final exam (take home, due May 5) Open lecture?

Course Goals

Provide the students with the background and tools necessary to model light propagation in a variety of media.  

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• Be knowledgeable of available computer codes Have a fundamental understanding of light propagation

Textbooks

M.E. Thomas, Optical Propagation in Linear Media, Oxford University Press (2006).

Other Materials & Online Resources

1. W.H. Hayt Jr., Engineering Electromagnetics, 7-8th Edition, McGraw-Hill (1989) (See Chapter 11) (QC 670.H39)*.
2. E. Goldin, Waves and Photons: An Introduction to Quantum Optics, Wiley (1982) (QC 446.2G64).
3. P. Yeh, Optical Waves in Layered Media, Wiley-InterScience (1988) (QC 176.806Y45)*.
4. E.J. McCartney, Optics of the Atmosphere: Scattering by Molecules and Particles, Wiley (1976) (QC 976.S3M3).
5. E.J. McCartney, Absorption and Emission by Atmospheric Gases, Wiley (1983) (QC 975.2.M41983).
6. G. Burns, Solid State Physics, Academic Press (1985) (QC 176.B864)*.
7. H.C. Van de Hulst, Light Scattering by Small Particles, Dover, (1981).
8. M. Born and E. Wolf, Principles of Optics, Pergamon Press, 6th Edition, (1987) (QC 355.2 B67).
9. H. Haken, Light: Waves, Photons, Atoms, Vol. I, North Holland, (1986) (Q355.2.H33)*.

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Required Software

None

Student Coursework Requirements

30% (10) Homework + 30% Midterm + 30% Final + 10% Research paper = Final grade

Grading Policy

Standard grading policy

Grading System”, Graduate Programs catalog, p. 10).

Course Policies

Standard University policy

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar (https://ep.jhu.edu/student-services/academic-calendar/). Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course.

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students.

This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. Students with disabilities (including those with psychological conditions, medical conditions and temporary disabilities) can request accommodations for this course by providing an Accommodation Letter issued by Student Disability Services (SDS). Please request accommodations for this course as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements.

For further information or to start the process of requesting accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services at Engineering for Professionals, ep-disability-svcs@jhu.edu.

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If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team [EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu] in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.