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Nov 08, 2024
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PH 320 - Lasers and Applications2 lecture hours 2 lab hours 3 credits Course Description This course prepares students for understanding the practical applications of lasers in industry. The course begins with a brief review of the principles of optics and a discussion of atomic structure and energy levels as related to lasers. Discussions of low-power lasers include their application to telecommunications, reading, writing, alignment and holography. High-power laser applications including cutting, welding, drilling, and marking are discussed. Laboratory sessions give students hands-on experience in spectroscopy, laser safety, laser beam properties and laser applications. (prereq: PH 123 or PH 2021 , MA 137 ) Course Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Discuss concepts of geometrical optics, including reflection, refraction, total internal reflection, and fiber optics
- Discuss concepts of wave optics, including polarization, coherence, interference, and diffraction
- Discuss the differences between lasers and conventional light sources
- Sketch an energy level diagram for the hydrogen atom and describe the processes of spontaneous emission, stimulated emission, and stimulated absorption
- Explain different possible electron excitation and de-excitation mechanisms in atoms
- Calculate the energy, frequency, and wavelength of the photon emitted or absorbed in a radiative transition from the energy level diagram
- List the requirements for laser action and describe briefly how a laser works
- Discuss attainment of a population inversion by pumping for both three and four level laser systems
- Define “Q-switching” and describe one method used to Q-switch a laser
- Discuss some applications for a diode laser, HeNe laser, carbon dioxide laser, Nd:YkAG laser
- Compare and contrast the operation of a carbon dioxide laser with a HeNe laser. List some industrial applications of a carbon dioxide laser
- Compare and contrast the operation of a carbon dioxide laser with a Nd:YAG laser
- Understand the basics of laser safety and be able to safely use medium power class IIIb lasers in a laboratory setting
- Measure and understand the meaning of absorption spectra of various materials and emission spectra of various light sources
Prerequisites by Topic
- Two college-level physics courses, at least one including some optics
- Two quarters of calculus
Course Topics
- Principles of geometrical and wave optics (review) (2 classes)
- Atomic theory (2 classes)
- Laser theory (3 classes)
- Laser characteristics (3 classes)
- Laser accessories (1 class)
- Gas, solid-state, and semi-conductor lasers (4 classes)
- Low power laser applications (2 classes)
- High power laser applications (2 classes)
- Laser safety (1 class)
Laboratory Topics
- Laser safety, irradiance and power measurements
- Interference and diffraction
- Polarization
- Emission spectra
- Gaussian laser beams
- Absorption spectra and coefficients
- Characteristics of laser diodes
- Coherence length and mode spacing of HeNe lasers
Coordinator Dr. Jeffrey Korn
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