Module overview
Lasers and photonic techniques are used in all branches of science and technology. The principles of laser operation will be discussed, with reference to commonly used laser systems. The course provides knowledge of the laser as a fundamental tool of contemporary science and technology. The course will give a detailed and mathematical introduction to gain media, laser cavities, Gaussian beams, and their combination into many forms of laser.
Linked modules
Pre-requisites: PHYS2001 AND PHYS2003
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Assess the properties of new laser systems based on a knowledge of their design.
- Understand how the design of a laser and the choice of the gain medium affects its output characteristics.
- Appreciate the diversity of laser designs and applications.
- Understand the differences between continuous & pulsed laser systems, and the uses of both.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Perform quantitative calculations on the properties of cavities, beams, and gain media, and the output of simple laser systems.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Use a variety of information sources (lectures, web, journals) and software tools to understand & solve problems
Syllabus
- Interaction of light and matter: spontaneous & stimulated emission, cross-sections & rate equations
- Gaussian beam optics, and beam propagation
- optical resonators, cavity stability, resonator modes, cavity lifetimes
- Generation of coherent light: energy storage, laser threshold
- Laser dynamics: steady state and transient behaviour, relaxation oscillations, Q-switching, mode locking
- Practical laser systems: HeNe, Nd:YAG, Ti:sapphire, diodes, fibre lasers, narrow line width lasers, high power lasers
- Ultra fast lasers, properties of ultra fast pulses, X-ray and attosecond pulses
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching will consist of a combination of lectures and problem classes
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Problem Classes | 6 |
| Completion of assessment task | 18 |
| Lecture | 24 |
| Independent Study | 92 |
| Total study time | 140 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
William T Silfvast. Laser Fundamentals. Cambridge University Press.
Eugene Hecht. Optics. Addison Wesley.
Orazio Svelto. Principles of Lasers. Plenum.
Anthony E Siegman (31533). Lasers. University Science Books.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Assessment is by final examination and coursework
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 80% |
| Continuous Assessment | 20% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External