This text links the theory of Fraunhofer (far-field) diffraction with the applied mathematical method of discrete Fourier transforms. With this practical approach, readers have the opportunity to implement computational techniques that are practical in nature. In addition to providing a comprehensive and practical approach to far-field diffraction, the authors present a recently established complement to traditional microscopy: Dynamic Optical Diffraction (DOD). This method relies on tracking temporal changes in an oversampled species. The authors, Prof. Jenny Magnes and Prof. Juan Merlo-Ramírez, drew on years of pedagogical experience to fill in the elementary material often omitted from the literature on diffraction and Fourier transforms. Their years of experience in teaching at the undergraduate level make this book appealing.
Key Features:
- Provides an introduction to optical interference and diffraction.
- Includes worked examples and experimental data.
- Contains end of chapter summaries and chapter problems.
- Presents descriptions and results of hands-on experiments with live species.
- Suitable for undergraduates and first year graduate students
Table of Contents:
Preface
Acknowledgements
Author biographies
1 Introduction
2 Optical interference
3 Diffraction
4 Fraunhofer (far-field) diffraction
5 Computing diffraction patterns
6 Dynamic diffraction
7 Application of dynamic optical diffraction
Appendix A: Optical sources
Appendix B: Photodetectors
Appendix C: Optical hardware
Appendix D: Safety Precautions
Appendix E: Solutions
About the Author :
Dr. Jenny Magnes holds a B.S. in Physics and Mathematics from Delaware State University and a B.S. in English from the University of Maryland (European Division), as well as an M.A. and Ph.D. in physics from Temple University. She is currently serving as a professor and chair of the physics and astronomy department at Vassar College. Dr. Magnes has researched various areas involving optics: diatomic spectroscopy of alkalis, quantum optics, molecular optics, opto-mechanical techniques, nano-structures, and bio-photonics. She is interested in developing techniques that are beneficial during classroom interactions. She has also successfully involved undergraduates in her research, resulting in more than 16 peer-reviewed publications with undergraduates. Dr. Magnes and her research group dove into investigating micro-organisms using optical techniques like scattering and various interference effects involving iridescence. Dr. Magnes’s work on the locomotion of C. elegans was funded by the National Science Foundation. Currently, she is investigating the locomotory predictability of microorganisms using non-linear dynamics in the field of chaos and complexity.
Juan M. Merlo-Ramírez is an Associate Professor in the Physics and Astronomy Department at Vassar College. He holds a five-year degree in Physics and an M.Sc. in Optoelectronics from the University of Puebla. In 2010, he earned a Ph.D. in Optics from the National Institute of Astrophysics, Optics, and Electronics (INAOE) in Puebla, Mexico, with a dissertation on near-field microscopy. His current research focuses on two main areas: (1) near-field microscopy and plasmonics, where he studies light–matter interactions at the nanoscale, and (2) topological phases of matter in classical systems, with an emphasis on photonic and mechanical topological insulators. He is also interested in disseminating scientific knowledge by writing science books for children.
