Abdul Al-Azzawi

Light and Optics : Principles and Practices

THE NATURE OF LIGHT Introduction The Evolution of Light Theory Measurements of the Speed of Light Light Sources The Electromagnetic Spectrum Types of Electromagnetic Waves Properties of Light Further Reading LIGHT AND SHADOWS Introduction Shadows Solar Eclipse Lunar Eclipse Applications of Shadows Experimental Work List of References Appendices Further Reading THERMAL RADIATION Introduction Thermal Radiation Light and Energy Solar Radiation Energy Classification of Solar Collectors Flat-Plate Collectors Solar Heating Systems Hot Water and Steam Generation Systems Vapour Absorption Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Systems Photovoltaic Systems Experimental Work List of References Appendices Weather Station Further Reading LIGHT PRODUCTION Introduction Spontaneous Light Emission Stimulated Light Emission Light Production by Different Energy Sources Experimental Work List of References Appendices Further Reading LIGHT INTENSITY Introduction Light Intensity Luminous Flux Luminous Intensity Illumination Experimental Work List of References Appendices Further Reading LIGHT AND COLOUR Introduction Colours Mixing Light Colours The Colour Triangle The C.I.E. Chromaticity Diagram Colour Televisions Spectral Transmittance Curves Colour Temperature Newtons Colour Wheel Black and White Colour Strip Intersection Wheel Black and White Colour Strip Wheel Experimental Work List of References Appendices Further Reading LAWS OF LIGHT Introduction Law of Reflection Law of Refraction Experimental Work List of References Appendices Further Reading PLANE MIRRORS Introduction The Reflection of Light Experimental Work List of References Appendices Further Reading SPHERICAL MIRRORS Introduction Images Formed by Spherical Mirrors Spherical Aberration Experimental Work List of References Appendices Further Reading LENSES Introduction Types of Lenses Graphical Method to Locate an Image Formed by Converging and Diverging Lenses Image Formation by Converging Lenses The Lens Equation Magnification of a Thin Lens The Lensmakers Equation Combination of Thin Lenses Lens Aberrations Lens Polishing Technology Experimental Work List of References Appendices Further Reading PRISMS Introduction Prisms Prism Types Prisms in Different Combinations Light Beam Passing through a Prism Factors Governing Dispersion of Light by a Prism Dispersion of White Light by a Prism Mixing Spectrum Colours Using a Glass Rod and Tube Experimental Work List of References Appendices Further Reading BEAMSPLITTERS Introduction Beamsplitters Beamsplitter Types Experimental Work List of References Appendices Further Reading LIGHT PASSING THROUGH OPTICAL COMPONENTS Introduction Experimental Work List of References Appendix Further Reading OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR VIEWING APPLICATIONS Introduction Optical Instruments The Camera The Eye The Magnifying Glass The Compound Microscope Advanced Microscopes The Telescope The Binoculars The Slide Projector The Overhead Projector The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Projector The Light Box Experimental Work List of References Appendices Further Reading POLARIZATION OF LIGHT Introduction Polarization of Light Forms of Polarization of Light Occurrence of Polarization Polarizing Materials Polarizing Optical Components The Law of Malus Optical Activity Photoelasticity Liquid Crystal Display Polarization Maintaining Fibres Polarization Loss Experimental Work List of References Appendices Further Reading OPTICAL MATERIALS Introduction Classes of Materials Applications Experimental Work List of References Appendix Further Reading PHOTONICS LABORATORY SAFETY Introduction Electrical Safety Light Sources Devices and Equipment Audio-Visual and Computer Peripherals Handling of Fibre Optic Cables Epoxy Adhesives and Sealants Cleaning Optical Components Optic/Optical Fibre Devices and Systems Cleaning Chemicals Warning Labels Laser Safety Laser Safety Tips Indoor Air Quality Other Considerations Further Reading APPENDIX A: DETAILS OF THE DEVICES, COMPONENTS, TOOLS, AND PARTS APPENDIX B: INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM OF UNITS (SI) APPENDIX C: LIGHTING LAMPS GLOSSARY INDEX

Physical optics : principles and practices

WAVES Introduction The Nature of Waves Types of Waves Characteristics of Waves Trigonometric Notation of Waves Simple Harmonic Motion Period and Frequency of Simple Harmonic Motion The Simple Pendulum Experimental Work List of References Appendices Further Reading INTERFERENCE AND DIFFRACTION Introduction Interference of Light Youngs Double-Slit Experiment Wave Phase Changes Due to Reflection Interference in Thin Films Newtons Rings Thin Film Applications Diffraction Experimental Work List of References Appendices Further Reading THE DIFFRACTION GRATING Introduction Diffraction Gratings Profiles of Gratings Planar Diffraction Gratings Concave Gratings Characteristics of Gratings Efficiency of Diffraction Gratings Manufacturing of Diffraction Gratings Diffraction Grating Instruments Experimental Work List of References Appendices Further Reading INTERFEROMETERS Introduction The Michelson Interferometer The Mach-Zehnder Interferometer The Twyman-Green Interferometer The Fizeau Interferometer The Fabry-Perot Interferometer Other types of Interferometers Experimental Work List of References Appendices Further Reading SPECTROMETERS AND SPECTOROSCOPES Introduction Spectral Analysis Instruments Experimental Work List of References Appendices Further Reading LASERS Introduction Light Emission Principle of the Laser Thermal Equilibrium and Population Inversion Transverse and Longitudinal Modes Gain Threshold Condition Power and Energy Three and Four Level Laser Systems Types of Laser Comparison of Semiconductor and Conventional Lasers Classification of Lasers Laser Beam Alignment Laser Beam Expansion Laser Applications Experimental Work List of References Appendices Further Reading PHOTONICS LABORATORY SAFETY Introduction Electrical Safety Light Sources Devices and Equipment Audio-Visual and Computer Peripherals Handling of Fibre Optic Cables Epoxy Adhesives and Sealants Cleaning Optical Components Optic/Optical Fibre Devices and Systems Cleaning Chemicals Warning Labels Laser Safety Laser Safety Tips Indoor Air Quality Other Considerations Further Reading APPENDIX A: DETAILS OF THE DEVICES, COMPONENTS, TOOLS, AND PARTS APPENDIX B: ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE OF A CONVENTIONAL ARTICULATING SPECTROMETER APPENDIX C: LIGHTING LAMPS GLOSSARY INDEX

Improving passive solar collector for fiber optic lighting

Increasing energy demand and cost are the main motivators for this research project, which utilizes solar radiation for lighting interior spaces in buildings. The objective is to use passive solar radiation collection coupled with fiber optic bundles to provide natural lighting. The research team proposes a novel passive fiber optic lighting system design, which collects the abundant supply of free solar radiation without using expensive tracking systems that require constant alignments year-round.

Designs of solar collector for Hybrid Fiber Optic Lighting system

A major reason for not seeing many solar energy systems utilized for lighting is the high capital cost. This triggered us to design a novel Hybrid Fibre Optic Lighting System. The proposed system relies on the fact that light rays are free and can be harnessed without the use of expensive tracking systems requiring constant alignments. A successful system must respond to the following criteria. The collector should be fixed and capable of collecting as much sunlight as possible during a sunny day, taking into account any external obstacle. The system has to be robust to withstand all weather conditions and have an efficiency equivalent to that of standard lighting requirements. A control system to turn lighting on/off as needed would be advantageous.

Energy saving by using newly designed automated solar powered evaporative air cooler (ASPEAC)

The mechanical load of the current evaporative air cooler is the main cause of consuming high energy. This cause prompted us to search for new ways to improve the evaporative air-cooler in terms of energy efficiency, water use efficiency, life, maintenance, and dependence on utility power. As a result, we designed, constructed, and tested a new automated solar powered evaporative cooler that considerably improves on existing designs on all the above-mentioned areas. Test results from the modified cooler based on the new design show that it delivered air with noticeably higher humidity and lower temperature than the standard design.

Induced mechanical motion by thermal solar energy

Increasing energy demand and cost are the main motivators for this research project. Solar thermal energy is used to create mechanical motion. In turn, the mechanical motion drives a generator to generate electricity. The objective of this project is to use solar radiation to heat a black fined metal tank filed with air. The air is heated by the solar radiation and expands leaving the tank through a nozzle, which is mounted on the top outlet valve. A turbine wheel is driven by the force of the hot air flow when the air is leaving the nozzle causing a mechanical rotation. An electric generator is coupled to the turbine wheel generating electricity. The generated electricity can be used for direct and indirect applications. To put the concept in practical research work, a prototype is designed, constructed, and tested under lab conditions. When the black fined metal tank is heated by simulated heat source, the air expands by natural heat convection from the heat that is conducted from the walls of the metal tank. When air temperature increases the density decreases and causing the hot air flows to rise by the power of the natural bouncy effect. The black metal tank is used as air storage. Control valves are mounted on the air inlet and outlet on the black metal tank to control the air flow in and out. Consequently, the valves control the inside tank air temperature. Preliminarily tests showed that the prototype works satisfactorily under artificial heat source and lab conditions. The prototype will be tested under real environment conditions to verify the results.

New air cooler with low power consumption

Energy saving mechanism is the reason behind this research project that led us to design, develop and build a new evaporative air cooler unit with high efficiency and low power consumption. This was done by designing a new water distribution system that eliminated the water pump of the standard unit and modifying its mechanical parts. Also, design of an intelligent controller was added to optimize performance of the new unit. This prompted to attain lower energy consumption, longer mean time between failures, lower maintenance, and independence from the power grid. Several tests and analyses have been conducted on both the newly designed unit and the standard unit. The new design delivered air with noticeably higher humidity and lower temperature than the existing unit. The low energy consumed by newly designed unit, also led to a reduction in size of the proposed photovoltaic solar panels as a power source.

From diploma to degree in photonics

This paper discusses the bridging requirements and the transfer of credits for the graduates of a three year Diploma of Photonics Engineering Technology program entering the Bachelor of Applied Technology degree in photonics. The procedure followed to determine the transfer of credits consisted of two iterations. In the first iteration a detailed comparison of the learning outcomes of the different courses in the diploma and the degree programs was undertaken. A second iteration was performed to compare in more detail the focus of the courses and the theoretical depth of learning the subjects. The difference between the courses from the two programs is used to design two bridging courses.