Course Identification

1.    Introduction and principles of lasers 
a.    The laser concept and history
b.    Spontaneous and stimulated emission
c.    Optical gain and absorption, atomic line shapes (homogenous/inhomogeneous broadening)
d.    Rate equations, population inversion

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

3.    Continuous-wave laser oscillator 
a.    Small signal gain, continuous wave amplification    
b.    Threshold condition, output power, optimum output coupling
c.    Amplified spontaneous emission

4.    Optical resonators
a.    Gaussian beams, beam quality (M2 parameter)
b.    Beam propagation (ABCD matrix), resonator stability

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

6.    Laser 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.