Course Identification

1.    Introduction and principle of lasers 
a.    The laser concept, history, and properties of the light
b.    Spontaneous and stimulated emission
c.    Optical gain and absorption, atomic line shapes (homogenous/inhomogeneous broadening)
d.    Rate equations, population inversion, and small-signal gain in two-, three-, four-level systems

2.    Laser materials 
a.    Host materials and active ions properties (absorption and emission bands, line broadening characteristics)
b.    Overview of laser types and their applications (e.g. solid-state, gas)

3.    Continuous-wave laser oscillator 
a.    Longitudinal modes and stability criterion
b.    Gain saturation and circulating power
c.    Threshold condition, output power (quasi-three level and four-level system), and optimum output coupling
d.    Frequency tuning 

4.    Optical resonators
a.    Gaussian beams, higher-order modes, and beam quality (M2 parameter)
b.    Beam propagation (ABCD matrix) and resonator stability, unstable resonators

5.    Pulsed lasers
a.    Q-switching
b.    Mode-locking
c.    Devices for pulsed operation 

6.    Amplifiers
a.    Single-and multi-pass amplification
b.    Regenerative amplifiers
c.    Chirped-pulse amplification 

7.    Ultrafast optics and technologies
a.    Pulse shaping and compression techniques
b.    Pulse characterization techniques 
c.    Spatial mode shaping
d.    Laser-induced damage, laser machining

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

1.  Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental concepts in laser physics and engineering.

2.  Explain principles of laser operation, resonators, amplifiers.

3.  Demonstrate an understanding of ultrafast sources and ultrafast technologies. 

Reading list 
1.    O. Svelto: “Principles of Lasers”, 5th edition, Springer 2010. 
2.    W. Koechner: “Solid State Laser Engineering”, 6th edition, Springer 2006.
3.    A. M. Weiner: “Ultrafast Optics”, Wiley 2008.
4.    A. E. Siegman: “Lasers”, University science Books 1986.