The nature of light itself as well as the atomic processes leading to light production, the mechanisms of incoherent light production, as well as the fundamentals of laser action will be examined. Incoherent sources of emission including blackbody radiators, gas discharges, and semiconductor sources will be studied and modeled and spectroscopic emissions analyzed. For an atomic system quantum mechanics will be used to model energy levels and transitions (hence predicting the emission spectrum). Most importantly, the basic mechanics of lasers will be covered including the quantum processes involved, concept of laser gain, excitation mechanisms, and optical resonators. Mathematical models of laser action, based on rate equations, will be developed allowing computation of thresholds (e.g. gain) and prediction of performance. The concept of laser gain and saturation will be examined, both in theory and in the lab. An intensive laboratory component allows students to explore course material in a practical hands-on manner.
This course of offered during the FALL term only and is currently INACTIVE