- Department: Physics
- Module co-ordinator: Prof. Erik Wagenaars
- Credit value: 10 credits
- Credit level: M
- Academic year of delivery: 2021-22
- See module specification for other years: 2022-23
Occurrence | Teaching period |
---|---|
A | Spring Term 2021-22 |
An introduction of the basic features of lasers is first given leading to a more general discussion on the interaction of light with atoms. The properties of laser cavities are investigated, leading to a description of the stable operating range for cavities and the associated mode structures. The quantum mechanics of the atom-radiation interaction are considered in the semi-classical limit (treating the radiation field classically) to determine transition probabilities. Some of the spectroscopic background for the description of plasma emission processes important in astrophysical and laboratory plasmas is presented.
Lasers and light in laser cavities
Simple laser cavity parameters – gain, threshold gain, longitudinal modes.
Matrix methods for paraxial optics. Stability criterion for laser cavities.
Directionality and spreading of an electromagnetic beam. Beam propagation. The cylindrically symmetric solution. Transverse modes.
Gaussian beams in a cavity. The ‘ABCD’ rule. Cavity mode frequencies.
Density of modes in a three-dimensional cavity. Quantisation of the field energy. Planck’s law.
The Einstein A and B coefficients. Lines shapes and laser gain. Rate equations for a four level laser.
Interaction of electromagnetic radiation with atoms or molecules
The effect of electromagnetic radiation on an atom or molecule.
The interaction Hamiltonian in the semi-classical limit.
Transition probabilities and selection rules.
The macroscopic theory of absorption.
Collisional radiative processes in plasmas. The Saha equation. Coronal equilibrium.
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled) Lasers & Atom-light Interactions |
8 hours | 100 |
None
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled) Lasers & Atom-light Interactions |
8 hours | 100 |
Our policy on how you receive feedback for formative and summative purposes is contained in our Department Handbook.
Loudon R: The quantum theory of light (Oxford Science) **
Verdeyen J T: Laser electronics (Prentice Hall)**
Tallents, G.J. An Introduction to the atomic and radiation physics of plasmas (CUP)