MPhys Physics with Astrophysics

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Lasers are now commonplace in the world we live in – being used for many applications ranging from games machines and printers to ultra-high-resolution spectroscopy.  It is estimated that there are now more lasers in circulation than there are people on the planet.  Lasers are one of the devices used to produce photonic systems, where light is used for measurement/sensing, communications, data transfer/storage and displays. They are also key to the rapid development of quantum technologies.  

This unit provides a grounding in the theory behind the operation of lasers, during which the propagation of Gaussian beams, optical resonators, the interaction of radiation with atomic systems and transient effects are covered.  It also looks at the properties of the light produced, including coherence and the statistical nature of light.

On a practical level, specific lasers are discussed, along with methods of detection and modulation.  A number of photonic applications (not necessarily involving lasers), such as communications and displays will also be covered.  

The unit aims to provide a grounding in understanding the operation of lasers and providing an introduction into the wider area of photonics.   

ILO 1

Know the properties and propagation of rays and Gaussian beams through lenses, between mirrors and through optical waveguides, linking this to optical resonators.

ILO 2

Know the interactions of light with atomic systems, including spontaneous and stimulated emission, and develop an understanding of gain and its saturation, the oscillation conditions, mode structure and transient effects key to Q-switching.  

ILO 3

Know the properties of laser radiation, including broadening mechanisms, coherence and the statistical nature of light.

ILO 4

Know details of specific laser systems, detection methods and modulation techniques and then understand a selection of photonic systems used, for example, in communications and for displays.  

Two one hour, live in-person lectures per week where the core material with examples will be delivered.  The recordings of these lectures will be on the course online page.  The lectures are accompanied by detailed notes and for some of the material explanatory videos that the students are expected to assimilate before the lecture.  This is augmented weekly by problems.  

Feedback & exercises will be available through examples presented during the lectures together with answers available via Blackboard, and through working through the solution of selected examples in the lectures.

Lasers and Electro-optics: C. C. Davis

Lasers: P. W. Milloni, J. H. Eberly.

Introduction to Optical Electronics: A. Yariv

Fundamentals of Photonics: B. E. A. Saleh, M. C. Teich

Optoelectronics: An Introduction: J. Wilson, J. F. B. Hawkes