Course detail

Nonlinear Optics

FSI-TNE Acad. year: 2025/2026 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

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-PMO-P: Precise Mechanics and Optics, Master's, elective

Programme N-FIN-P: Physical Engineering and Nanotechnology, Master's, 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