Course detail

Nonlinear Optics

FSI-TNE Acad. year: 2023/2024 Winter semester

The course gives an introduction to nonlinear optics – the branch of optics that studies the interaction of intense laser light with matter. The lectures focus mainly on classical topics (e.g., second-harmonic generation, optical parametric oscillation, third-order nonlinear processes, optical solitons, Raman and Brillouin scattering) with strong emphasis on the fundamental aspects. Also, the course briefly introduces basic approaches for describing light-matter interaction. Finally, a brief discussion of the nonlinear optical phenomena from a quantum perspective is provided.

Supervisor

prof. RNDr. Jiří Petráček, Dr.

Department

Institute of Physical Engineering

Learning outcomes of the course unit

Competences: Students should be able to understand scientific papers on the field of nonlinear optics and continue to perform their own research.

Prerequisites

Knowledge of mathematics, general physics and optics at the level of basic undergraduate courses.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course is taught through lectures explaining the basic principles and theory of the discipline. 

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

Course-unit credit conditions: the solution of one homework problem and passing the final written exam.

 

Language of instruction

Czech

Aims

Course objectives: A basic overview of nonlinear optics with strong emphasis on the underlying principles. Understanding of the coupled-wave formalism for description of the nonlinear optical interactions and knowledge of the most important applications.

 

Competences: Students should be able to understand scientific papers on the field of nonlinear optics and continue to perform their own research.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

The study programmes with the given course

Programme N-PMO-P: Precise Mechanics and Optics, Master's
branch ---: no specialisation, 2 credits, elective

Programme N-FIN-P: Physical Engineering and Nanotechnology, Master's
branch ---: no specialisation, 2 credits, elective

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hours, optionally

Syllabus


  1. Electric field and polarization

  2. Wave-equation description of nonlinear optical interactions

  3. Second-order nonlinear processes

  4. The intensity-dependent refractive index

  5. Four-wave mixing

  6. Propagation of light pulses, self-phase modulation

  7. Optical solitons

  8. Atom-photon interactions

  9. Raman and Brillouin scattering

  10. Quantum nonlinear optics