Bf.25 Laser Physics (Autumn)
Contents Introduction to Laser Physics and Non-Linear Optics:
We introduce the basic concepts of laser physics and nonlinear optics. The interaction of light with matter is first treated on the basis of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation, and population rate equations are subsequently developed as an approximation. Laser resonators are discussed both from the viewpoint of an ABCD formalism and diffraction theory. The basics of laser operations: gain, threshold, power output and frequency are treated with examples based on real lasers. Finally, an introduction is given to nonlinear optics. The subtopics include: second and higher-order harmonic generation, parametric couplings, and the stimulated Raman effect. Throughout the course basic optical phenomena such as coherence, interference, diffraction, polarization and optical modulation are revisited, with the emphasis on their practical importance.
Literature
P.W. Milonni and J.H. Eberly, "Lasers" (Wiley, 1988, or 1999).
Evaluation
Pass/Fail
Lecturer
Eugene Polzik
Points/ECTS-credit
1/5