Course Identification

Quantum Mechanics 1

• Introduction to Nonlinear Optics

- Interaction of light and matter - Lorentz model, linear susceptibility.
- Formal introduction of NLO; nonlinear susceptibility.
- Low order nonlinear effects: DC effects, second harmonic generation, four waves mixing effects.
- Nonlinear propagation.

• Femtosecond pulses

- Ultrashort pulses: description and representation of ultrashort pulses, dispersion, instantaneous frequency and group velocity delay.
- Ultrashort Sources.
- Femtosecond pulse amplification.
- Femtosecond pulse propagation.
- Diagnostic techniques.
- Pulse shaping.
- Carrier envelope phase stabilization.

• Fundamentals of ultrafast light-matter interactions

- Basic schemes in ultrafast measurements.
- Examples of time resolved ultrafast processes.

• Coherent control

- Introduction to quantum coherent control
- Optimal control

• Attosecond science

- High harmonics generation
- Attoseconds experiments.

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Introduction to laser plasma physics:

1. Plasma creation. Ionisation process (tunnel, multi-photons, collisional)
2. Single electron dynamic un laser field from non-relativistic to relativistic laser field
3. Fluid model of laser plasma interaction
   1. Few definitions. Basic equation
   2. Resolution in 1D case
   3. Laser propagation equation
   4. Quasi Static equation of the plasma wave
   5. Plasma and laser waves equation
   6. Case of Gaussian beams
   7. Relativistic self-focusing
4. Particles in plasma waves   
   1. Resolution in 1D case
   2. Hamiltonian approach. Energy conservation
   3. Case of linear/sine plasma wave
   4. Gain energy calculation in sine plasma wave
5. Limits of plasma acceleration  
   1. Guiding
   2. Dephasing length
   3. Trapping conditions
6. Finales notes 

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

1. Demonstrate knowledge of basic concepts in light matter interactions.

1. R. W. Boyd, Nonlinear Optics.
2. Y. R. Shen, The Principles of Nonlinear Optics.
3. S. Mukamel, Nonlinear Optical Spectroscopy.
4. J. C. Dies, Ultrashort Laser Pulse Phenomena.