OPTI557

Laser engineering is a broad and interdisciplinary field that encompasses atomic and molecular physics, electromagnetism, nonlinear optics, mechanical design, thermodynamics, software, as well as economic and legal aspects. It is a very dynamic and rapidly evolving field that has been on the cutting edge of science and technology since the first operational laser was demonstrated in 1960 and continues to be such to this day. This one-semester, graduate-level course covers basic and applied aspects involved in the operation, design, characterization, and applications of lasers and laser systems. The course provides the students with practically applicable information essential for the educated use and design of various types of lasers in the laboratory and industrial settings. The course will self-consistently introduce the basic notation and principles involved in the operation of the laser and in the properties and characterization of radiation it generates. Different modes of laser operation will be covered, including continuous-wave, Q-switched, and mode-locked regimes. Various specific laser systems will be discussed including gas lasers, diode lasers, solid-state lasers, fiber lasers, as well as large-scale installation such as the National Ignition Facility in the US and the Extreme Light Infrastructure in Europe.

Spring