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.
Language of instruction
Czech
Number of ECTS credits
2
Supervisor
Department
Entry knowledge
Knowledge of mathematics, general physics and optics at the level of basic undergraduate courses.
Rules for evaluation and completion of the course
Course-unit credit conditions: the solution of one homework problem and passing the final written exam.
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.
The study programmes with the given course
Programme N-FIN-P: Physical Engineering and Nanotechnology, Master's, elective
Programme N-PMO-P: Precise Mechanics and Optics, Master's, elective
Type of course unit
Lecture
26 hours, optionally
Syllabus
- Electric field and polarization
- Wave-equation description of nonlinear optical interactions
- Second-order nonlinear processes
- The intensity-dependent refractive index
- Four-wave mixing
- Propagation of light pulses, self-phase modulation
- Optical solitons
- Atom-photon interactions
- Raman and Brillouin scattering
- Quantum nonlinear optics