Syllabus

Module-1 (5 hours)
Review on wave and Quantum properties of light: Maxwell’s wave equations for a vacuum and in a medium, application of Maxwell’s equations to dielectric materials, Laser gain media, complex index of refraction, optical constants, absorption and dispersion, temporal and spatial coherence, Bohr theory of the Hydrogen atom and concept of discrete energy levels, frequency and wavelength of emission lines, wave functions, the Schrödinger wave equation, orbital. Spin and total angular momentum, energy levels associated with one multi-electron atom, fine structure of spectral lines, Pauli exclusion principle and periodic table, L-S and J-J coupling.
Module-2 (7 hours)
Radiative transitions and emission line-width: radiative decay of excited states of isolated atoms, radiative transition probability and lifetime of a radiating electron, emission broadening and line-width due to radiative and non-radiative decay, Quantum mechanical description of electric dipole radiation and transition probability, Selection rules for electric dipole transitions for electron in an unfilled subshell, parity selection rule, energy levels and radiative properties of molecules, liquids, and solids, radiation and thermal equilibrium between absorption and emission,
Module-3 (7 hours)
Conditions for Laser amplifications and oscillation: absorption and gain, population inversion, intensity saturation, development and growth of a Laser beam for a gain medium, threshold requirements for a Laser, Laser with no, one and two mirrors, Laser oscillation: Laser gain saturation, Laser beam growth beyond the Saturation intensity, optimization of Laser output power, requirements for obtaining population inversions in two, three and four level lasers, processes that inhibits population inversion, Laser Pumping Requirements: pumping threshold requirements, pumping pathways and types, Optical Pumping, Particle Pumping
Module-4 (7 hours)
Laser Resonators: Laser cavity modes, longitudinal and transverse laser cavity modes, properties of laser modes, stable and unstable laser resonators, Q-switching, mode locking, pulse shortening techniques,
Module-5 (10 hours)
Different types of LASER systems: An overview of Laser systems involving both low and high density gain media with some examples of gas, ions, liquid and solid state Lasers, excimer Laser, X-ray Laser, free-electron Laser and semi-conductor Laser, applications of Lasers to various field

To impart knowledge on
1. Basic principles of LASER.

2. Understanding the necessary and sufficient conditions for LASER operations.

3. Comprehend the various components for designing of LASRER.

4. Working principle of operation of different kinds of LASERs.
5. LASER application to various fields of research and industry.

At the end of course, students will be able to:
CO1: Have a clear knowledge on basic principles of LASER
CO2: Garner the central knowledge on LASER operations.
CO3: get a clear view in design of LASER
CO4: Understand the design and operation principles of diverse types of LASERS.
CO5: Appreciate the wide-ranging applications of LASERS.

1. LASER Fundamentals, W. T. Silfvast, Cambridge University Press - 2nd Edition , (2004)

2. LASERS: Theory and applications, A. K. Ghatak & K. Thyagarajan, Macmillan Publishers , (2000)

1. LASERS: Principles, Types and Applications, K. R. Nambiar, New Age Instruments , (2004)

2. LASERS, Anthony E. Siegman, University Science Books, Anthony E. Siegman, University Science Books , (1986)