Demonstrating principles of physical optics through interactive computer simulations

John T. Tarvin; Stephen H. Cobb; Donald L. Jackson

doi:10.1117/12.57859

1 March 1992 Demonstrating principles of physical optics through interactive computer simulations

John T. Tarvin, Stephen H. Cobb, Donald L. Jackson

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 1603, Education in Optics; (1992) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.57859
Event: Education in Optics, 1991, Leningrad, Russian Federation

Abstract

Interactive simulations have been developed illustrating basic principles of physical optics in three major areas: 1) electric field behavior in various polarization states, 2) propagation of traveling plane waves through birefringent and optically-active media, and 3) Fresnel diffraction and its relationship to and interpretation with Cornu's spiral. All of these areas emphasize the wave nature of light as expressed by an oscillating electric field. These simulations make use of high-resolution (VGA) color animation in a PC/MS-DOS environment; this enhances the presentation and appeal of these simulations to students. These simulations are presently being used by 1) physics majors in an upper-level applied optics course and 2) lower-level honor students who are being introduced to research projects in physical optics. The success of these programs as a vehicle for imparting a conceptual understanding of the physical principles involved will be presented.

Citation Download Citation

John T. Tarvin, Stephen H. Cobb, and Donald L. Jackson "Demonstrating principles of physical optics through interactive computer simulations", Proc. SPIE 1603, Education in Optics, (1 March 1992); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.57859

Access the abstract

PROCEEDINGS
6 PAGES

DOWNLOAD PAPER SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

GET CITATION

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Get copyright permission Get copyright permission on Copyright Marketplace

KEYWORDS

Polarization

Near field diffraction

Diffraction

Wave propagation

Computer simulations

Video

Active optics

Show All Keywords

RELATED CONTENT

Some remarks of teaching "The Concepts in Experimental Optics" for...
Proceedings of SPIE (July 02 2019)

Optical feasibility study on a 4 layer cover incident near...
Proceedings of SPIE (June 22 2006)

Diffraction efficiency of director gratings in a nematic cell with...
Proceedings of SPIE (February 01 1998)

Cascade acousto-optic diffraction for optical communication systems
Proceedings of SPIE (April 01 2002)

Dynamic interactive e learning application to optics and laser...
Proceedings of SPIE (December 09 2004)

Evaluation of the field distribution in the Fresnel diffraction region
Proceedings of SPIE (October 12 1994)

Modeling high-power diode lasers
Proceedings of SPIE (June 19 2003)

Subscribe to Digital Library

Receive Erratum Email Alert

Show All Keywords

Keywords/Phrases

Search In:

Publication Years