On the one hand :
The first objective is to provide a basic knowledge of laser physics. The different components of a laser will be explained in detail as well as the properties of laser radiation. The second objective is to understand the operation of some lasers such as the He-Ne laser, the CO2 laser, the diode laser and the OPO-based laser. For each, the constituent elements and their characteristics will be detailed. The main applications will also be given.
On the other hand :
To master the essential physical concepts associated with two fundamental aspects of optics, which are now essential both scientifically and technologically: nonlinear optics and quantum optics. To know the main nonlinear optical phenomena and their applications. To understand the role of the quantum nature of light in contemporary optics and to deepen one's understanding of the foundations of quantum mechanics.
On the one hand :
The first objective is to provide a basic knowledge of laser physics. The different components of a laser will be explained in detail as well as the properties of laser radiation. The second objective is to understand the operation of some lasers such as the He-Ne laser, the CO2 laser, the diode laser and the OPO-based laser. For each, the constituent elements and their characteristics will be detailed. The main applications will also be given.
On the other hand:
The aim is to introduce the essential notions of nonlinear optics (such as the possibility of modifying the frequency of light and phase matching) and quantum optics (in particular the notion of photon and coherent state). This part of the course will present the main nonlinear optical phenomena and their applications in laser technology, spectroscopy, and quantum light sources. It will also present a few quantum interferometers and quantitatively study spontaneous and stimulated emission, as well as absorption, from a quantum point of view.
On the one hand, this course is a presentation of the physics of lasers. The concepts of laser are first presented: active medium (stimulated emission, Einstein's equations ...), pumping (electrical, optical ...), resonant cavity (laser oscillator ...). As the lecture progresses, the basic physics concepts are recalled (absorption, emission, etc.). Then, the properties of laser radiation are explained. Equipped with these concepts, several types of laser are described in detail (operation, properties and applications). Theoretical courses are combined with tutorials. On the other hand, the course addresses two major aspects of modern optics: nonlinear optics (NL) and quantum optics. From phenomenological models, we will describe the NL response of materials to electromagnetic (e.m.) excitation and adapt Maxwell's equations to account for it. We will study the propagation of e.m. waves in NL media and at their surfaces (reflection, refraction). We will analyse a series of stationary and dynamic NL phenomena. We will quantify the NL response of materials and see the usefulness of NL optical spectroscopies. We will quantify the e.m. field and characterise it (Fock, coherent, compressed states). We will describe photon correlations and photon pair production by parametric fluorescence. We will study the quantum behaviour of interferometers (Mach-Zehnder, Franson, Hong-OuMandel). We will see how quantum optics experiments allow us to deepen our understanding of the foundations of quantum mechanics (violation of Bell's inequalities, notions of locality, superposition and entanglement) and offer innovative applications (teleportation, quantum cryptography, metrology).
A) Lasers
I. Introduction and history
II. Laser principles
1. Basic elements of a laser
2. Amplifying medium (types of interactions, Einstein transition coefficients, relationships between Einstein coefficients, population inversion)
3. Pumping (level diagrams, pumping rates, pumping types)
4. Resonant cavity (amplifier, oscillator, cavity families, stability criteria, characterization of laser modes, laser oscillators)
III. Laser radiation
1. Properties (monochromaticity, coherence, directivity, brightness-power)
2. Beam structure
IV. Operating modes
1. Continuous operation
2. Pulsed operation (Q-switched mode-locking)
V. Examples of lasers
VI. Laser safety
B) Nonlinear optics and quantum optics
1. Introduction to nonlinear optics
- The nature of nonlinearity in optics
- Simple models of its origin
- Brief overview of nonlinear phenomena
2. Phenomenological description
- Nonlinear susceptibilities
- Susceptibility symmetries
- Dipolar approximation
- Nonlinear Maxwell equations
3. Generation and propagation of nonlinear waves
- The case of solids
- Phase matching in anisotropic crystals
- Laws of reflection and refraction
4. Microscopic and quantum susceptibility models
5. Non-linear spectroscopies and microscopies
- Characterization of material surfaces and interfaces
- Characterization of bulk materials
- Dynamic and transient aspects
6. Electromagnetic field quantification
- Quantification
- Fock states
- Coherent states
- Compressed states
- Quantum noise
- Spontaneous emission
7. Interferometry and quantum correlations
- Electromagnetic field correlations
- Classical and quantum beam splitters
- Existence of the photon
- Mach-Zehnder, Franson, Hong-Ou-Mandel interferometers
The course is given on the blackboard and through a Powerpoint presentation.
Due to the measures taken in the fight against the spread of covid-19 and those implemented at the UNamur level, the evaluation modalities are subject to modification to be adapted to the situation. The modified evaluation modalities will be communicated by the teacher to the students via WebCampus. Oral examinations with each teacher. The exact form ("classic" exam with a draw of questions or work to be done and presented by the student) will be specified at the beginning of the year by each teacher. The TDs are assessed in a written exam. The final grade is a weighted average of the three assessments. Failure of any one of the assessments may result in failure of the whole course, the final grade being the lowest grade.
"Lasers et optique non linéaire - Cours, exercices et problèmes corrigés - Niveau M1-M2", Christian Delsart, Ed. Ellipses
For the part "non linear optics and quantum optics", the course does not follow the structure of a particular book but complementary information is available in the following books:
- "Nonlinear optics", Robert Boyd, Academic Press (Elsevier)
- "The Principles of Nonlinear Optics", Yuon-Ren Shen, Wiley
- "Non-linear Optics: Course and solved problems", François Sanchez, Ellipses
- "Quantum optics", J.C. Garrison and R.Y. Chiao, Oxford University Press
- "Six quantum pieces: a first course in quantum physics", Valerio Scarani with Chua Lynn and Liu Shi Yang, World Scientific
| Training | Study programme | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master in Physics, Research focus | Standard | 0 | 6 | |
| Advanced Master in Nanotechnology | Standard | 0 | 6 | |
| Master in Physics | Standard | 0 | 6 | |
| Master in Physics, Professional focus | Standard | 0 | 6 | |
| Master in Physics, Professional focus in Physics and Data | Standard | 0 | 6 | |
| Master in Physics, Teaching focus | Standard | 0 | 6 | |
| Master in Physics | Standard | 1 | 6 | |
| Master in Physics, Professional focus | Standard | 1 | 6 | |
| Master in Physics, Professional focus in Physics and Data | Standard | 1 | 6 | |
| Master in Physics, Teaching focus | Standard | 1 | 6 | |
| Master in Physics, Research focus | Standard | 1 | 6 | |
| Advanced Master in Nanotechnology | Standard | 1 | 6 |