Edquantum Series - Course 1: Intro To Light And Optics

Reflection | Refraction | Diffraction | Polarization | Absorption | Optical Components | Light Sources | Lab Safety

What you'll learn

Demonstrate good understanding of terms such as frequency, wavelength, amplitude, phase, speed, and energy.

Describe how light is reflected, refracted, scattered, absorbed, and transmitted when passing through optical materials.

Handle and position optical components (lenses, mirrors, filters), optical benches and vibration-free tables.

Properly set and perform the measurement of the output optical power using power meter.

Apply photonics lab safety including the proper selection of laser safety eyewear for a specific laser type and exposure.

Requirements

Knowledge of high school physics is preferred but not required.

Description

This course explores the nature, behavior, and interaction of light with materials at a fundamental level. We introduce the concept of the dual nature of light, examining how light behaves both as a wave and as a particle. Early lessons focus on light as a wave, covering the structure of electromagnetic waves, the index of refraction, and wave-related phenomena such as reflection, refraction, interference, and diffraction. The course then shifts to the particle nature of light, addressing topics such as absorption, scattering, spectra of light sources, and blackbody radiation. These concepts help explain how light interacts with various materials and surfaces. Participants will also study how light behaves in different media and how surface properties—such as coatings and material types—affect reflection and transmission. The course also discusses optical components such as filters, coatings, and mounts, and introduces best practices for handling, cleaning, and positioning these elements in a controlled setup. In the final section, learners are introduced to non-laser and laser light sources, the biological effects of light exposure, and laser safety standards, including control measures and safety classifications. To support learning, the course includes virtual demonstrations of hands-on experiments, helping participants visualize and apply key concepts in a simulated lab environment.

Overview

Section 1: WHAT IS LIGHT

Lecture 1 Photonics: Importance and Applications of Light in Our Daily Lives (2:24)

Lecture 2 Dual Nature of Light (1:42)

Lecture 3 Terminology of Light: Wavelength, Frequency, Speed (9:30)

Lecture 4 Light as Electromagnetic Wave (8:01)

Lecture 5 Interaction of Light with Matter: Index of Refraction (3:22)

Section 2: WAVE PROPERTIES OF LIGHT

Lecture 6 Phase of a Wave. Coherent and Incoherent Light (7:01)

Lecture 7 Reflection of Light from Plane Surfaces (3:00)

Lecture 8 [LAB DEMO] Law of Reflection (8:32)

Lecture 9 Refraction of Light at an Optical Surface (5:16)

Lecture 10 [LAB DEMO] Snell's Law of Refraction (16:14)

Lecture 11 Young's Double Slit Experiment (3:17)

Lecture 12 Interference and Diffraction of Light (8:07)

Lecture 13 [LAB DEMO] Diffraction through Pinhole

Section 3: QUANTUM ("PARTICLE") PROPERTIES OF LIGHT

Lecture 14 What is Photon (3:36)

Lecture 15 Absorption of Light Introduced (2:48)

Lecture 16 Absorption of Light on Microscopic Level (Atomic Model) (8:41)

Lecture 17 Incoherent Light Sources (1:53)

Lecture 18 Spectra of Light Sources (11:35)

Lecture 19 [LAB DEMO] Spectrum of White Light (7:24)

Lecture 20 Blackbody Radiation (8:00)

Section 4: TRANSPARENT OPTICAL MATERIALS

Lecture 21 Optical Properties of Transparent Materials (2:22)

Lecture 22 Thermal, Mechanical, and Other Properties of Transparent Materials

Lecture 23 Polarization of Light. Linear Polarizers (4:17)

Lecture 24 Refractive Properties of Optical Materials (4:07)

Lecture 25 Absorption and Transmission of Light in Optical Material (6:16)

Lecture 26 Transmission Properties of Optical Materials (4:43)

Lecture 27 Reflective Properties of Optical Materials (7:49)

Section 5: OPTICAL COATINGS AND OPTICAL FILTERS

Lecture 28 Optical Coatings - Overview (5:27)

Lecture 29 Anti-Reflection Optical Coatings (6:02)

Lecture 30 High-Reflection Optical Coatings (5:16)

Lecture 31 Overview of Optical Filters (8:34)

Lecture 32 [LAB DEMO] Optical Filters (9:38)

Lecture 33 Protective Eyewear (2:48)

Section 6: OPTICAL COMPONENT HANDLING, POSITIONING, AND CARE

Lecture 34 Optical Benches (Rails) (5:28)

Lecture 35 Optical Tables (4:31)

Lecture 36 Mechanical Mounts for Optical Components (1:36)

Lecture 37 Optical Component Positioning (5:09)

Lecture 38 Surface Quality and Cleanliness of Optical Components (6:55)

Lecture 39 [LAB DEMO] Optical Component Cleaning (4:20)

Section 7: INCOHERENT LIGHT SOURCES

Lecture 40 Incoherent Light Sources Overview (0:53)

Lecture 41 Incandescent Light Sources (3:47)

Lecture 42 Fluorescent Light Sources (4:06)

Lecture 43 High Intensity and Arc Lamps (3:34)

Lecture 44 Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) (4:39)

Section 8: PHOTONICS LAB SAFETY

Lecture 45 Anatomy of Human Eye and Skin (12:04)

Lecture 46 Laser Safety Standards and Classifications (7:31)

Lecture 47 Laser Safety Controls (6:03)

Lecture 48 Maximum Permissible Exposure and Optical Density (12:53)

Lecture 49 Implementing Laser Safety in Photonics Lab (7:38)

Lecture 50 [LAB DEMO] Laser Safety (5:49)

Individuals with no prerequisite knowledge who want to learn more about optics and quantum: technicians, high schoolers, non-technical and technical business professionals, and other individuals curious about this technology.