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525.425 - Laser Fundamentals Course Homepage

Instructor Information

Michael Thomas

Email: michael.e.thomas@jhuapl.edu
Work Phone: (443) 778-4414

Course Information

Course Description

This course reviews electromagnetic theory and introduces the interaction of light and matter with an emphasis on laser theory. A fundamental background is established, necessary for advanced courses in optical engineering. Topics include Maxwell's equations, total power law, introduction to spectroscopy, classical oscillator model, Kramers-Kroenig relations, line broadening mechanisms, rate equations, laser pumping and population inversion, laser amplification, laser resonator design, and Gaussian beam propagation.

Prerequisites

An undergraduate course in electromagnetic theory.

Course Goal

To establish a basic background concerning the optical properties of matter necessary for optical engineering.  To apply this background to laser theory and operation, and resonator design considerations.

Course Objectives

  • By the end of the course, students should be able to:
    Understand the basic operation of CW single and multimode lasers. 

  • Be introduced to light matter interaction that will serve as a foundation for future courses in the program.

When This Course is Typically Offered

Fall every year

Syllabus

Topics Covered

  • History of optics leading to lasers. Introduction to laser properties (spectral and spatial coherence, and brightness), laser resonators, laser gain media, light-matter interaction concepts. Review of a few common laser systems.
  • Maxwell's equations, definition of parameters, power flow, classical oscillator model, complex index of refraction, and Sellmeier model.
  • Introduction to quantum mechanics and atomic spectroscopy
  • Radiative decay and line broadening, homogeneous and inhomogeneous broadening, selection rules
  • Time-dependent Schroedinger equation, semiclassical radiation theory by electric dipole coupling, density matrix.
  • Spectroscopy of atomic and molecular gases, with emphasis on laser materials (e.g., CO2, CO, HF, Ne, Ar+, etc.). Spectroscopy of solid state laser materials (Nd:YAG, Ti:Al2O3, semiconductors, etc.) and liquid laser media (dyes).
  • Radiation and thermal equilibrium, Planck's Law for cavity radiation, absorption and stimulated emission
  • Midterm (Oct. ). Gain, population inversion, saturation, rate equations, threshold for a cw laser, hole burning, laser oscillators and amplifiers
  • CW Laser system performance of three and four level systems, gain saturation, laser output power, homogeneous and inhomogeneous line broadening considerations and single mode operation
  • Laser pumping requirements, optical pumping and particle pumping
  • Laser resonators, Fabry-Perot, longitudinal and transverse modes, diffraction theory, hole burning
  • Curved mirror cavities, ABCD matrices, cavity stability criteria, Gaussian beams
  • Semiclassical radiation theory and course review
  • Final (Dec. ).

Student Assessment Criteria

Homework (10 assignments) 33%
Mid-term Exam (in-class) 33%
Final Exam (in-class) 34%

All homework is due within one week of its assignment. Late homework will not be accepted without the prior permission of the instructor.

Computer and Technical Requirements

None

Textbooks

Textbook information for this course is available online through the MBS Direct Virtual Bookstore.

Course Notes

There are notes for this course.

(Last Modified: 08-18-2009 at 10:06:10 PM)