QT209: Classical Optics: Sample numerical questions for practice
1. Two waves of wavelength 1.53 um and 1.56 um are travelling in a medium of
refractive index 1.50 and 1.49 respectively. Calculate the group velocity of the
waves in the respective medium. Consider velocity of wave in vacuum 3 x 108
m/sec
2. Calculate the wave number for the light of wavelength 632nm. Calculate the
phase and group velocity of the wave when its angular frequency is twice the
wavenumber.
3. For calcite the values of n0 and ne for the wave of λ0 = 500nm are 1.6 and 1.5
respectively, and corresponding to the wave of λ0 = 1000nm, the n0 = 1.58 and ne
= 1.48. The calcite works as a quarter wave plate for the wave λ0 = 500nm. If a left
circularly polarized beam of λ0 = 1000nm falls on this plate, then calculate the
phase and the state of polarization of the emergent beam.
4. Calculate the Jones matrix for a Half-wave plate at θ =45◦, and determine its effect
on right circularly polarized light.
5. Calculate the numerial aperture of a step index fiber having refractive index
n1=1.48 and n2=1.46. What is the maximum launching angle for this fiber if the
outer medium is air?
6. A certain optical fiber has an attenuation of 0.6dB/km at 1300nm and 0.3dB/km at
1550 nm. Suppose these two optical signal are launched simultaneously into the
fiber: an optical power of 150uW at 1300 nm and optical power of 100uW at 1550
nm. What are the power level in uW of these two signals at a) 5 km b)25km.