The three-month free course on "Physical Optics", designed for young researchers, has been launched at Yerevan State University, organized jointly by the YSU Photonics and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and the Arcs.ai educational center.
During the first session, the instructors covered the fundamentals of wave optics and electromagnetic (EM) theory. In the subsequent laboratory practice, participants gained hands-on experience, including the importance of precise laser beam alignment, working with optical elements, and the construction of simple optical systems.
The objective of the "Physical Optics" course is to provide students with a structured knowledge of modern optics—from the fundamental principles of the wave nature of light to the operating mechanisms of state-of-the-art optical devices. The program has been developed by leading specialists from the YSU Center for Optics and Photonics at the Institute of Physics and aims to combine in-depth theoretical knowledge with practical skill development.
The course runs for three months, with two sessions per week. Each session includes both a theoretical lecture and a practical component, involving problem-solving exercises or laboratory work.
The program is intended for senior bachelor's students in physics and related engineering fields, as well as master's and PhD students. Participants are expected to have a foundational understanding of general physics, electromagnetism, and vector calculus.
Upon completion of the course, participants will acquire fundamental knowledge across the main areas of optics and become familiar with the key concepts of contemporary photonics. In addition to theoretical knowledge, they will develop practical laboratory skills necessary for working in optical and photonics labs. Participants will learn to operate optical equipment, perform measurements, analyze data, and construct and adjust various optical systems.
Approximately 50 participants have registered for the course. The most motivated and high-achieving students will have the opportunity to join the scientific projects of the Photonics and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at Yerevan State University.
The top two students in the course will each receive a $320 scholarship.
