520.482, Introduction to Lasers

Catalog Data:
An introduction to basic principles of lasers. Topics include the interaction of radiation and atomic systems, optical resonators, theory of laser oscillations, and some specific laser systems.

520:219 (Fields, Matter, and Waves), or talk to the instructor
Instructor: Prof. Alexander Kaplan ECE; Barton Hall, #304, ph 7018

Texts: A. Yariv, Optical Electronics in Modern Communication , 5-th Edition, Oxford Univ. Press, 1997

Other recommended books:
W. T. Silfast, Laser Fundamentals Cambr. Un. Press, 1996,
J. T. Verdeyen, Laser Electronics 3-rd edition, Prentice Hall, 1995;
P. W. Milonni, J. H. Eberly, Lasers , John Wiley, 1988;
D. E. Eastman, Atomic Physics of Lasers , Taylor & Francis, 1989.

Goals:
This course is intended to expose students to the basic physical and engineering principles of lasers and review different types of lasers. As part of the course, students are supposed to do a literature search and seminar-style presentation on novel laser systems and their applications.

Topics:

1. spontaneous and induced transitions between atomic levels
2. absorption and amplification
3. atomic susceptibility
4. saturation in homogeneous and inhomogeneous lasers
5. Fabry-Perot resonator, its modes and resonant frequencies
6. diffraction theory and Gaussian beams
7. three- and four-level lasers
8. power and optimal coupling
9. mode-locked and Q-switched lasers
10. specific laser systems: ruby laser, Nd:YAG, Nd:glass, He-Ne, carbon dioxide, Ar+, excimer, organic-dye lasers
11. course project: literature search and presentation on some laser systems (free- electron laser, X-ray laser, F-center laser, parametric oscillator, semiconductor lasers, laser applications in medicine, Erbium-dopped fiber amplifiers, etc)
12. review and exam