Nature of Light

PRINCE AHMAD GANAI

Department of Physics-National Institute of

Technology Srinagar
 What is light.
 Vision and comprehension of light.
 Illusions.
 Physics of Light.
 Newton and Huygen.
 Youngs experiment
 Maxwells EM- theory
 Quantum theory of light
 Research still in progress
LIGHT:
Light can confuse you
Physics of Light

 How does it behave?

 Reflection
 Refraction
 Dispersion
 What models can we use to:
 understand light
 predict other behaviour
 How can we apply our knowledge to do
something
 useful:
 microscopes, telescopes, . . .
Optics
Ray theory of light
Dispersion
Light as wave
The Wave Nature of Light
Interference : Thomas Young (1803):
Light as wave
Interfere
nce
Diffraction
Polarization
Light: Particles or Waves?

 In 1700s the particle model of light

was assumed
 By 1830, the wave theory was
generally accepted
 By 1900, light was known to be an
electromagnetic wave
Electromagnetic Theory of Light
Maxwell’s Equations
EM- wave equation
EM-Spectrum:
 EM- THEORY
• First successful theory of unification.
• Electricity, Magnetism, and Light
• Origin of Light- explained.
• Microscopic explanation to reflection and ref.
• Radio wave production and transmission.
• But wait------- Next century will hit you
Light is still a problem
Two mega theories are born ,because we
want to answer the basic question, What
is light?

1. Special theory of relativity.

2. Quantum Mechanics.
Relativity
v Theory was perceived for invariance requirements of
Maxwell’s equations.
v Constancy of light becomes basic postulate of the first
mega theory of 20th century.
v Experiments verified the theory and the concept of space
and time changes for ever.
Quantum Physics
• Origin of light challenged.
• How can atom be stable.
• New rules required.
• Wave concept in trouble.
• No explanation to-
1. Photo electric effect.
2. Compton effect
3. Pair production
The Photoelectric Effect
Compton Scattering
 Pair production.

 Light and matter are different

manifestations of same thing.
Quantum theory of Light
Double slit experiment
Quantum theory of light

• Light is both wave and particle

• Observer decides the choice.
CURRENT RESEARCH

• Giving light yet another new twist

E. Plum, J. Zhou, J. Dong, V. A. Fedotov, T. Koschny, C. M. Soukoulis, and N. I. Zheludev
Phys. Rev. B 79, 035407 (2009) – Published January 12,
2009
Future applications.
Thankx