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Physics 8820, "Special Topics"<br>
<div>Ultrafast Laser Techniques And Experiment<br>
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<div>Douglass Schumacher<br>
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<div>dws@mps.ohio-state.edu<br>
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<div>This course focuses on the fundamental concepts and techniques necessary to perform experiments using ultrafast lasers. An ultrafast laser is one that generates laser pulses shorter than a picosecond, typically much shorter. The goal of this course is
to help students progress in their femtosecond-based research.</div>
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<div>Requirements: A good undergraduate background in E&M and QM.<br>
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<div>Course Outline<br>
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<div>(Some areas will be covered in detail while others will be surveyed.)<br>
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<div>1) Linear pulse propagation<br>
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<div>Including: time and frequency domain views, dispersion, compressors and expanders, pulse shaping.<br>
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<div>2) Non-linear optics<br>
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<div>Second and third order effects including: sum and difference frequency generation, OPG/OPA, Pockels effect, Raman generation, Kerr effect, self-focusing; phase matching, the Nonlinear Schrodinger Equation (soliton formation).<br>
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<div>3) Characterization of short pulses<br>
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<div>Including: spectrometers, auto-correlators, interferometric devices, FROG.<br>
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<div>4) Short pulse generation and amplification<br>
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<div>Including: Gaussian optics and matrix methods, lasing, Q-switching, modelocking, amplification, OPCPA, basic design of short pulse laser systems, laser facilities.<br>
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<div>5) Experimental techniques using short pulses<br>
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<div>Based on student interests and needs.<br>
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<div>Course Information<br>
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<div>Assessment: Homework problems and presentations.</div>
<div>Grading: Letter grade.<br>
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