Homework Assignments (and exam solutions)
 

Phys 532/822 will explain the fundamental physics of lasers and several of their applications.  It is intended to provide a theoretical and practical basis for further work in the field.  The course will be directed towards students having a broad range of backgrounds, as lasers are used in a variety of disciplines.

The prerequisite for the course is Phys 531 Optics or equivalent.

Instructor:  Cass Sackett  Office:  Phys 155  Phone:   924-6795

Class Hours:  MWF 10:00 AM, Phys 210
Office Hours:   Wednesday 3-4 PM, Thursday 2-3 PM, or by appointment

Text:  Yariv, Quantum Electronics, 3rd Ed.
Supplemental texts: Siegman, Lasers
 (on reserve)          CRC Handbook of Nonlinear Optics

Outline:
     I.  Physical Optics
          Laser beams and optical cavities
     II.  Light and Atoms
          Electromagnetic theory, spontaneous emission, line shape
     III.  Lasers
          Lasing mechanism, types of lasers
     IV.  Modulation of Light
          Diode lasers, electro-optic, acousto-optic
     V.  Nonlinear Optics
          Phase matching, harmonic generation, optical parametric amplification
     VI.  Pulsed Lasers
          Q-switched, mode-locking
     VII.  Fiber Optics
          Coupling, amplification, communication techniques

Course requirements:
     We will have one midterm and a final exam.  The midterm will be a take-home exam, held the week of March 10.  The final will be held in class, on Monday, May 5, 2003 from 9:00 to 12:00 am.

Grading:       Homework       50%
       Midterm and final exams 50%
 Your better exam will be weighted 30%, and your worse one 20%

Homework will be due weekly on Fridays.

Students enrolled in Phys 822 will be given additional homework problems, some requiring a greater level of background knowledge in physics.  The grades for Phys 532 and 822 will be determined independently