Optics Obstacle Course

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	# Read about coherence theory in Hecht's ''Optics'' Chpts 12.1, 12.2 and 12.3. Measure the laser's coherence length (ask instructor or TA for help).		# Read about coherence theory in Hecht's ''Optics'' Chpts 12.1, 12.2 and 12.3. Measure the laser's coherence length (ask instructor or TA for help).
	# Fabry-Perot (FP) cavities: Read about FP cavities in ''Hecht'' sections 9.6 and 9.6.1. Pay attention to the concepts of Finesse, Free Spectral Range (FSR) and Resolution.		# Fabry-Perot (FP) cavities: Read about FP cavities in ''Hecht'' sections 9.6 and 9.6.1. Pay attention to the concepts of Finesse, Free Spectral Range (FSR) and Resolution.
	## Use the [http://www.gwoptics.org/finesse/ ''Finesse/Luxor''] software package ~~(already downloaded and located in the user's home directory on lab computer ''hank'' - run Luxor.jar in the FinesseLuxor directory)~~ to simulate a FP cavity. Explore how the cavity Finesse, FSR and Resolution depend upon the mirror reflectivity and mirror spacing.		## Use the [http://www.gwoptics.org/finesse/ ''Finesse/Luxor''] software package to simulate a FP cavity. Explore how the cavity Finesse, FSR and Resolution depend upon the mirror reflectivity and mirror spacing. (optional - may experience software troubles)
	## Assume the cavity mirrors are planar with a power (not amplitude) reflectivity of 90% (R = 0.9). Calculate the cavity finesse assuming an on-axis light beam.		## Assume the cavity mirrors are planar with a power (not amplitude) reflectivity of 90% (R = 0.9). Calculate the cavity finesse assuming an on-axis light beam. (optional)
	## Construct a plane-mirror Fabry-Perot with a Free Spectral Range (FSR) of 500MHz and a Finesse >= 20. What is the cavity resolution?		## Construct a plane-mirror Fabry-Perot with a Free Spectral Range (FSR) of 500MHz and a Finesse >= 20. What is the cavity resolution? (optional)
	## Construct a plane-mirror Fabry-Perot with a Free Spectral Range (FSR) of 1 GHz and a Finesse >= 20. What is the cavity resolution?		## Construct a plane-mirror Fabry-Perot with a Free Spectral Range (FSR) of 1 GHz and a Finesse >= 20. What is the cavity resolution? (optional)
	## Is the finesse of your cavity equal to the calculated finesse? If not, why?		## Is the finesse of your cavity equal to the calculated finesse? If not, why? (optional)
			## Construct a scanning spherical-mirror Fabry-Perot cavity using special 10cm focal length mirrors (see instructor). Be sure to calculate the mirror spacing first i.e., the mirror's radius of curvature.
	## What are the practical limits on the achievable finesse? In other words, what is the limit of achievable cavity resolution?<br><br>		## What are the practical limits on the achievable finesse? In other words, what is the limit of achievable cavity resolution?<br><br>
	#Aberrations: Read ''Hecht'' Chpt 5.1, 5.2, 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 6.3.1, 6.3.2, (stopping at page 272). Pay especial attention to the concepts of "diffraction-limited", "aspherical surfaces", "spherical surfaces", "optical axis", "aberrations", "paraxial rays", "Gaussian optics", "Seidel aberrations", "spherical aberration", "circle of least confusion", "coma", "astigmatism", "field curvature", "distortion", "chromatic aberrations".		#Aberrations: Read ''Hecht'' Chpt 5.1, 5.2, 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 6.3.1, 6.3.2, (stopping at page 272). Pay especial attention to the concepts of "diffraction-limited", "aspherical surfaces", "spherical surfaces", "optical axis", "aberrations", "paraxial rays", "Gaussian optics", "Seidel aberrations", "spherical aberration", "circle of least confusion", "coma", "astigmatism", "field curvature", "distortion", "chromatic aberrations".

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Optics Obstacle Course