Course syllabus

Syllabus på svenska 

Laser physics, SK2411

7.5 points

Course description

Goal

The course is aiming at giving general understanding of lasers and laser components and their function in the laser. Furthermore to prepare students in atomic and molecular physics, quantum optics and physical optics for work in research and technology.

Learning outcomes

After the course the student should be able to:

1.  Apply physical principles for explaining how light amplification and laser action is obtained in different material systems.
2.  Apply laser engineering principles to design and analyze laser parameters in the context of a particular application.
3.  Obtain, analyze and present experimental data, within the scope of the goals of lab practice, and complying with the lab safety requirements and rules of conduct in a given lab environment.

Main content

• Essentials of quantum-mechanical description of optical gain media, including atoms, molecules, and solid state materials.
• Essentials of quantum-mechanical description of the interaction between photons and electrons in optical gain media.
• Basic properties of lasers and photon amplifiers.
• Physical principles of laser action.
• Essential knowledge of laser building blocks.
• Overview of the most important laser types.

 Lecturers and examiners

Prof. Valdas Pasiskevicius, Applied Physics, KTH, vp@laserphysics.kth.se, tel. 701667475.

Exercise assistant

Tim Wörmann,  twormann@kth.se

Lab assistants

Prof. Fredrik Laurell, Albanova, fl@laserphysics.kth.se

Tim Wörmann,  twormann@kth.se

Adrian Vågberg avag@kth.se

Literature

Orazio Svelto,  Principles of Lasers, Fourth edition, or later (Translation by David. C. Hanna) Kluwer Academic/Plenum Press, Springer (1998 or later) ISBN 0-306-45748-2.Sold at the KTH bookstore. Also available from internet bookstores.

Language of instruction

English.

Prerequisites

Courses in general physics, electromagnetic waves.

Recommended previous knowledge

Quantum mechanics, physical optics.

Course description

Lectures: 24 hours, Exercises: 12 hours. Labs: 6 hours.

Contents of the lectures

1	Ray and wave propagation, modes of electromagnetic field	Chap. 4
2	Optical resonators	Chap. 5
3	Properties of laser beams	Chap. 11
4	Introduction, background, history and applications. Interaction of radiation with atoms and ions	Chap. 1, 2
5	Essential spectroscopic characteristics of atomic and molecular media	Chap. 2, 3
6	Semiconductors as laser gain material	Chap. 3
7	Population inversion, pumping processes	Chap. 6
8	Continuous wave lasers	Chap. 7
9	Transient laser behavior, Q-switching, mode-locking	Chap. 8
10	Types of lasers: solid state, fiber, semiconductor	Chap. 9, 10
11	Transformation of laser radiation: Laser amplifiers. Introduction to nonlinear optics	Chap. 12
12	Types of lasers continued. Summary of the course

Labs

Diode laser 2 hours. Group 1: February 22, 10-12. Group 2, February 23, 10-12.

Diode-pumped solid-state laser 4 hours. TBD.

Homework

Each exercise session, except the last one, will be followed by a homework assignment. Deadline for submitting solutions is one week after the particular exercise session. Homework solutions will be graded and the total maximum amount of points from homework will be equal to 20% of the maximum amount of points which could be awarded in the course, i.e. the sum of points from the homework and the exam. 

Examination

Written exam. In case of pandemic restrictions, the exam will be online.

Grading: A/B/C/D/E/Fx/F
Lab report grading: P/F

Grading criteria

FX: Almost fulfilled requirements for E.

E: Performed lab practice (learning outcome 3 (LO3)); understanding of basic principles of laser action and essential laser material parameters (LO1); identification of relevant laser parameters (LO2).

D: Fulfilled criteria for E and partially for C.

C: Performed lab practice (learning outcome 3 (LO3)); understanding of laser operation in different materials (LO1); ability to perform laser parameter analysis and relate to particular applications (LO2).

B: Fulfilled criteria for C and partially for A.

A: Performed lab practice (learning outcome 3 (LO3)); analyzing laser operation in any material system (LO1); ability to design and analyze laser parameters for different applications (LO2).

Grading scale

Maximum number of points - 25: 20 from Exam and 5 from Homework.

The grades will be awarded according to the following scale:

0-12 points = F

12-14 points = E

14-16 points = D

16-19 points = C

19-22 points = B

22-25 points = A

Allowed exam aid

Open book exam.

Student expedition

Alba Nova, Roslagstullsbacken 21 Stockholm. E-mail: kursexp@physics.kth.se