PHYS 715 (Lasers and Optical Electronics) Course Information
Objective: To gain basic knowledge in the fields of laser physics, quantum optics, optics electronics, nonlinear optics and photonics.
Instructor: Zhigang
Chen. Office: 526
Phone: 338-3876, Email: zchen@stars.sfsu.edu
Meeting Time and Place:
T, Th
Textbook:
Primary reference:
Optical Electronics in Modern Communications, 5th edition,
by AmnonYariv (Oxford Univ. Press, 1997)
(The course will cover large parts of chapters 1-8, and selected material from other chapters as well as from other references.)
Other optional references:
Lasers, by Milonni and Eberly (John Wiley, 1988)
Fundamentals of Photonics, by Saleh and Teich (John Wiley, 1991)
Quantum Electronics, 3rd edition, by Yariv (John Wiley, 1989).
Grading:
Homework 20%
Class Presentation 20%
Midterm Exam 30%
Final Exam/Research Paper 30%
About
Homework:
Homework is an important part of learning. Homework problems will be assigned biweekly, and will be due before each new assignment. You should work independently at first, and them you can discuss and collaborate with others. Solving problems with others will enhance your understanding and extend your retention. However, what you submit must be your own work. No late submission will be accepted.
About Seminar Presentation:
There are many interesting subjects in the fields of laser physics, optical electronics and nonlinear optics. Normally each field requires one semester of learning. In this course, we will try to cover some selected topics in each field. After learning the theory of light-matter interaction, laser oscillation and basic laser technology, you are required to do independent study and then do class presentation on a few selected topics based on your reading. The purpose of this requirement is to give you experience in independent literature research and in presenting your work to scientific or public community. Therefore, you need to prepare the notes carefully for each of your presentations. A final research paper can be submitted in lieu of final examination.
PHYS 715 Syllabus
Weeks 1-2: Electromagnetic Theory and Wave Propagation
E & M waves (Review)
wave propagation in isotropic media
(power transport, storage & dissipation)
wave propagation in anisotropic crystals
(index ellipsoid, birefringence)
quantization of E&M field
Weeks 3-4: Propagation of Rays and Gaussian Beams
ray optics
lens waveguides
Gaussian beam theory
laser transverse modes
Weeks 5-6: Optical Resonators
Fabry-Perot Etalon
stable and unstable cavities
resonant frequencies
laser longitudinal modes
Weeks 7-8: Interaction of Light and Atomic Systems
Atomic susceptibility
spontaneous and induced transitions (Einstein's model)
Lamb's semi-classical laser theory (Maxwell-Bloch equation)
homogeneous and inhomogeneous broadening
gain saturation
Weeks 9-10: Laser Oscillation and Some Specific Lasers
laser oscillation condition,
oscillation frequency
specific laser systems
Week 11: Laser Technology
Mode-locking
Q-switching
pulse shaping
Week 12: Advanced Laser Systems
semiconductor diode lasers
quantum well lasers
free-electron lasers
Week 13: Wave propagation in periodic structures
Photonic crystals
Bandgap materials
Localization of light
Weeks 14: Selected Topics in Nonlinear Optics
Second-harmonic generation and frequency conversion
Holography and optical data storage
Phase conjugate and photorefractive beam coupling
Waveguide modes and optical fiber communication
Weeks 15: Research Presentations
Topics may
include BEC and atom optics, photonic crystals, EIT and photo storage, fast and slow light, quantum information
and computing, optical solitons,
bio-optics, etc. (Details will be discussed in class and more
information will be provided later in the semester about topics for
presentations).
Research Paper or Final Exam