Code: | FIS4027 | Acronym: | FIS4027 | Level: | 500 |
Keywords | |
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Classification | Keyword |
OFICIAL | Physics |
Active? | No |
Responsible unit: | Department of Physics and Astronomy |
Course/CS Responsible: | Master in Engineering Physics |
Acronym | No. of Students | Study Plan | Curricular Years | Credits UCN | Credits ECTS | Contact hours | Total Time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M:A_ASTR | 0 | Study plan since academic year 2023/2024 | 1 | - | 6 | 42 | 162 |
2 | |||||||
M:EF | 0 | Official Study Plan since 2021_M:EF | 1 | - | 6 | 42 | 162 |
M:F | 0 | Official Study Plan | 1 | - | 6 | 42 | 162 |
Training in basic laser physics, comprising the study of light-matter interaction from different approaches (classical, semi-classical and quantum), the study of gaussian beams and spherical optical cavities, laser amplification and oscillation in continuous-wave (cw) and in time-dependent (relaxation, Q-switching, mode-locking) regimes. Examples of specific laser systems and relevant recent applications in science and technology.
Laser physics and technology is a rapidly evolving field with a strong impact both in fundamental science and in applications. A solid training in the fundamentals of laser physics is therefore paramount for the succesful enrolment of students in new scientific and technological developments in the field.
- Understanding of the fundamental physical processes and different operating regimes of a laser.
- Skills in analysis and calculation of specific laser systems and of the main characteristics of the emitted radiation in terms of power/energy, as well as in the spatial, spectral and temporal domains.
- Motivation for the study, optimization and development of laser technology and applications in several fields of Science and Technology (Physics, Medicine, Chemistry, Engineering, etc.) and in Industry.
The student should have previous (undergraduate level) training in optics, electromagnetism and basic quantum mechanics.
Introduction - Quantum Electronics, Lasers, key topics, important applications, historical evolution
Interaction of radiation with atoms and ions - Blackbody radiation. Radiative processes, spontaneous emission, absorption and stimulated emission, the A and B Einstein coefficients. Lorentzian, Gaussian, and Voigt spectral profiles. Non-radiative decay. Degenerate and strongly coupled levels. Optical amplification.
Ray and wave propagation through optical media - Matrix formulation of geometric optics. Wave reflection and transmission at a dielectric interface. Single and multilayer dielectric coatings. The Fabry-Pérot interferometer. Diffraction optics in the paraxial approximation. Gaussian beams. Resonators eigenmodes and eigenvalues. Photon lifetime and cavity Q. Stability condition. Stable resonators. Brief note on the use of unstable cavities.
Pumping processes - Optical, laser and electrical pumping (summary)
Continuous wave laser behavior - Rate equations. Threshold conditions and output power: four-level laser. Optimum output coupling. Laser tuning. Reasons for multimode oscillation. Single-mode selection. Frequency-pulling and limit to monochromaticity
Transient laser behavior - . Pumping dynamics, relaxation oscillations. Operation in Q-switching, methods. Operation in mode-locking, methods, pulse propagation in saturable media, femtosecond regime, cavity dumping.
Classes for presenting and discussing theoretical topics, with relevant examples, and for problem solving.
designation | Weight (%) |
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Exame | 100,00 |
Total: | 100,00 |
designation | Time (hours) |
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Estudo autónomo | 120,00 |
Frequência das aulas | 42,00 |
Total: | 162,00 |
In order to have access to the final examination, the student must attend a minimum of 75% of the antecipated teaching hours, in accordance with the Regulations of Assessment of Student Achievement of FCUP.
Final written examination: 100%