PH 320 - Lasers and Applications

• 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

• Two college-level physics courses, at least one including some optics
• Two quarters of calculus

• 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)

• 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