Electromagnetism of continuous media — optics

(Petr Kužel)

Lectures were given in the Institute of Physics in November 2000 – January 2001 and, on a slightly lower level, at Licence of Physics, Université Paris-Nord in 2000 and 2001.

See also Textbook (in French, PDF format)

I. Propagation of light

1. Maxwell equations, spectral decomposition, conservation laws

2. Propagation of light, absorption; light pulses: group velocity, group velocity dispersion

3. Elementary theory of dispersion in dielectrics and metals (Lorentz and Drude models)

II. Polarization states of light

1. Polarized, partially polarized and non polarized light

III. Inhomogeneous and stratified media

1. One interface: Fresnel equations, total reflection, metallic mirrors

2. Fabry-Pérot etalon/interferometer

3. Transfer matrix formalism (antireflection coatings, dielectric mirrors, beam-splitters, interferential filters)

4. Propagation in inhomogeneous media; eikonal theory — from Maxwell equation to geometrical optics; application to optical fibres (skipped)

5. Optical waveguides — basics

IV. Anisotropic media

1. Propagation of light, birefringence, biaxial and uniaxial crystals

2. Birefringent optical elements

V. Non-local response and consequences

1. Kramers-Kronig relations, optical activity

VI. Nonlinear phenomena

1. Formulation of nonlinear optics, effects of the quasi-static field (Pockels, Kerr, and Faraday effect)

2. Second harmonic generation and higher order effects