You need to activate javascript for this site.
Menu Conteúdo Rodapé
  1. Home
  2. Courses
  3. Optometry and Vision Sciences
  4. Physical Optics

Physical Optics

Code 12509
Year 2
Semester S2
ECTS Credits 6
Workload PL(30H)/TP(30H)
Scientific area Optics
Entry requirements - Elementary notions of algebra, vector calculus and differential calculus. - Basic notions of electricity and magnetism
Learning outcomes Demonstrate knowledge of the physical principles underlying optical phenomena and how to apply them to the human visual system, in order to understand and solve problems related to vision and optical instruments/lenses.
At the end of this curricular unit, the student should be able to:
- recognize the characteristics and parameters used in the description of waves;
- describe, analyze and interpret the optical phenomena of polarization, interference and diffraction of light;
- describe and interpret the phenomena of the interaction of light with matter;
- know how to determine and analyze image quality.
Syllabus 1. Waves
2. Electromagnetic waves
3. Polarization
4. Interference
5. Diffraction
6. Radiation-matter interactions
Main Bibliography - Fundamentos de física, vols. 2 e 4, Jearl Walker. LTC Editora, 2023
- Óptica, Eugene Hecht. Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, 2012
- Optics - an introduction, Sarhan M. Musa. Mercury Learning and Information, 2020
- Field guide to physical optics, Daniel G. Smith. SPIE Press, 2013
- Modern optics, Robert D. Guenther. Oxford University Press, 2015
- Optical devices in ophthalmology and optometry: technology, design principles and clinical applications, M. Kaschke, K.-H. Donnerhacke, and M. S. Rill. Wiley-VCH, 2014
Teaching Methodologies and Assessment Criteria Theoretical and practical classes for presenting the program content and discussing it with students, and practical classes for problem-solving, including experimental demonstrations of the phenomena covered.
Assessment is based on written tests.
Language Portuguese. Tutorial support is available in English.
Last updated on: 2025-06-11

The cookies used in this website do not collect personal information that helps to identify you. By continuing you agree to the cookie policy.