Physics of Light and Color
Fall
Quarter
15-PHYS-134
Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 – 11:50 AM
Light and color have an impact on virtually every phase of human experience, since we perceive the world largely through vision. Observation of natural phenomena such as rainbows and sunsets, recognition of the objects about us - art, books, television, theater, and advertising - all involve the subtle interplay of light and color. This course is intended to be an introduction to the science of optics, light and color primarily for students without a background in other courses in college physics or mathematics. Broadly speaking the topics covered in the course include: wave motion, the physical properties of light, light sources, the origin of color, color mixtures, optical instruments, photography, holography, the eye and vision. The focus of the course will be the laws and principles of physics that govern the properties of light, radiation and vision. Thus, the course helps direct the student to a new and critical understanding of phenomena they have already observed.
For details contact:
Instructor: Prof. Henry Fenichel
http://www.physics.uc.edu/~fenichel
