Academics
Dop Course Outline
OS6057 Laser Physics
Last Revised: 2018-04-11
Course Objectives
This course is meant to introduce the principles of lasers in both physics and engineering aspects. In this course, you will first learn the basic concept and theory of lasers, then the working principles of lasers, and finally the behavior and properties of lasers. You are recommended to take this course if you have accomplished the courses “Electromagnetic fields and waves” and “Fundamentals of quantum mechanics” or have equivalent background knowledge.
Prerequisite
Textbook Textbook
“Principles of lasers”, by Orazio Svelto and David. C. Hanna, 3rd Ed., Plenum Press (New York, 1989).
Reference Books
1.“Lasers”, by A. E. Siegman, Mill Valley (California, 1986).
2.“Quantum Mechanics”, by A. Messiah, North-Holland Pub. (Amsterdam, 1962)
3.“Solid-State Laser Engineering”, by W. Koechner, Vol.1 Springer Series in Optical Sciences (Springer-Verlage, New York, 1988).
Topical Outline 1. Introductory concept
2. Interaction of radiation with matter
a. Blackbody radiation
b. Absorption and Stimulated emission
c. Spontaneous emission
d. Saturation
e. Degenerate levels
f. Molecular systems
3. Pumping processes
a. Optical pumping
b. Electrical pumping
4. Optical resonators
a. Geometrical and wave optics
b. Cavity physics
c. Resonators
d. Gaussian beam and ABCD law
5. Continuous wave and Transient laser behavior
a. Rate equations
b. CW laser behavior
c. Q-switching
d. Gain switching
e. Mode locking
6. Type of lasers
Solid-state (including semiconductor), Gas, Liquid, Chemical, FEL, X-ray, etc.
Prerequisite
Textbook Textbook
“Principles of lasers”, by Orazio Svelto and David. C. Hanna, 3rd Ed., Plenum Press (New York, 1989).
Reference Books
1.“Lasers”, by A. E. Siegman, Mill Valley (California, 1986).
2.“Quantum Mechanics”, by A. Messiah, North-Holland Pub. (Amsterdam, 1962)
3.“Solid-State Laser Engineering”, by W. Koechner, Vol.1 Springer Series in Optical Sciences (Springer-Verlage, New York, 1988).
Topical Outline 1. Introductory concept
2. Interaction of radiation with matter
a. Blackbody radiation
b. Absorption and Stimulated emission
c. Spontaneous emission
d. Saturation
e. Degenerate levels
f. Molecular systems
3. Pumping processes
a. Optical pumping
b. Electrical pumping
4. Optical resonators
a. Geometrical and wave optics
b. Cavity physics
c. Resonators
d. Gaussian beam and ABCD law
5. Continuous wave and Transient laser behavior
a. Rate equations
b. CW laser behavior
c. Q-switching
d. Gain switching
e. Mode locking
6. Type of lasers
Solid-state (including semiconductor), Gas, Liquid, Chemical, FEL, X-ray, etc.
