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| Optics |
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The branch of physics which deals with light and its behavior
is called Optics. |
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It is categorized into : Geometric Optics, Wave Optics and Quantum Optics |
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Geometrical Optics :
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This branch of optics is treated by the method of light rays.
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Under ordinary situations, light travels in straight lines. This reasonable assumption has led to a ray model. The straight line paths followed by light are called light rays.
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The ray model is formed very successful in explaining phenomena like reflection, refraction and formation of images by mirrors and lenses.
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Since these explanations involve straight line rays at various angles, it is called geometric optics (or ray optics).
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Wave Optics :
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This branch of optics is concerned with the nature of light and involves primarily the theory of waves. It deals with the phenomena like interference, diffraction, polarization etc.
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It is also called physical optics.
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Quantum Optics :
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This branch of optics deals with the interaction of light with the atomic entities of matter. |
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It deals with such phenomena as photoelectric effect, atomic excitations etc. |
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