Laser Physics

This course dives into topics such as stimulated emission, population inversion, rate equations, and different laser structures. Students will learn about various types of lasers, including gas lasers, solid state lasers, semiconductor lasers, dye lasers, and free electron lasers. The course also covers special laser technologies like mode locking, Q-switching, frequency selection, and frequency doubling. Students will gain an understanding of the properties of laser radiation, including Gaussian beams and linewidth. Additionally, the course explores the interaction of laser radiation with matter and examines applications of lasers in areas such as material processing, spectroscopy, holography, information technology, and analytics.

The following course/module was developed at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg.

Learning outcomes / Competencies:

• Develop Scientific Thinking: Fosters scientific thinking, by exploring fundamental principles, laser structures, types, special technologies, radiation frequencies, and applications, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of this fascinating field.
• Understanding Emission & Lasers: Provides a comprehensive understanding of emission and lasers, covering topics such as stimulated emission, population inversion, laser structures, dye lasers, modes, and various types of lasers.
• Gain Qualitative Understanding: Gain a qualitative understanding of Laser Physics, covering topics such as laser principles, types, structures, special technologies, properties of laser radiation, and its interaction with matter.
• Explore Laser Technologies: Students learn, explore concepts of special laser technologies. Topics covered include mode locking, Q-switching, frequency selection, SHG, and their practical applications in different areas.
• Learn Application Areas: Students can inform themselves of application areas in in the field(s) of material processing, spectroscopy, holography, information technology, and analytics, covering their principles, techniques, advancements, and practical implementations in various industries and scientific domains.