After successful completion of the course, students are able to explain and independently analyze advanced photonic concepts describing various linear and nonlinear interactions between light and matter.

Interaction of radiation and atomic systems:

• Atomic susceptibility and optical Bloch equations
• Gain saturation in systems with homogeneous and inhomogeneous broadening.
• Spectral and spatial hole burning.

Coherent interactions:

• Vector representation
• Dicke’s superradiance
• Photon Echoes
• Self-induced transparency

Nonlinear Optics:

• Nonlinear susceptibilities
• Three and four wave mixing, phase matching (general principles)
• TDSE
• SHG, THG
• Parametric amplification, oscillation, fluorescence
• Optical Kerr effect
• Spontaneous and stimulated Raman and Brillouin scattering. Optical phase conjugation.
• Linear and quadratic electrooptic effects
• Acoustooptics (as a form of three-wave mixing)

Technology overview of most significant laser types

• General classification: semiconductor, fiber, gas, solid-state, etc. active media and pumping architectures
• Typical solid-state lasers (Nd-, Yb-, Ti-, Cr- doped)
• Typical fiber lasers (Er-, Yb- doped)
• Typical high-power gal lasers (CO2, excimer)

Noteworthy laser applications:

• Dynamics of laser—matter interactions, ablation regimes
• Materials processing (cutting, welding, waveguide inscription, additive manufacturing, microfluidics)
• Nonlinear-optical applications in medicine and biology (surgery, dentistry, two-photon microscopy, SRS tissue imaging)
• Metrological applications
• Astronomy (guided star)
• Prospect for laser-driven energy generation from thermonuclear fusion.

Presentation by lecturer

Anwesenheitspflicht. In 2020 the lecture will be held via distance learning.   Links to the on-line teaching will be send to all registered students 

Exam

Photonics 1 or similar introduction into optics and optoelectronics