Quantum Electronics I - Theory and Technology of Laser

Introduction
Introduction to the laser-Course content-The laser as a light source

Statistical Optics
Statistical quantities in optics, Theory of optical coherence, Temporal coherence (Temporal coherence function, degree of temporal coherence, Wiener Khinchin Theorem), Spatial coherence, Interferometry.

About Photons
The photon, Photon optics, Photon statistics, Quantum states of light

Geometrical optics
Propagation matrix, Propagation in optical cavities, Linear optics in non homogeneous continuous (diffractive) optical media

Gaussian beams (wave optics)
Gaussian beams in cavities, TEM00, ABCD law of Gaussian beams, Higher order modes TEMmn

Resonant optical cavities
Resonance, Resonance width, Q-factor, Finesse, photon life time, Resonance of the Hermite-Gauss modes, Cavity with gain

Light-matter interaction
The Einstein atom, The Hertz atom, The Schrödinger atom, The Rabi atom, Density matrix, Line broadening.

Laser oscillation and amplification
Amplification-gain, Threshold condition, Laser oscillation and amplification in a homogeneous broadened transition, Laser oscillation in an inhomogeneous system, Laser oscillation from the point of view of photons.

Types of lasers
Atomic-molecular gas lasers, Ion lasers, Solid state lasers, Excimer lasers, semiconductor lasers, Pulsed lasers, Generation of giant pulses, Generation of ultra-short pulses, Q-switching, Mode-locking (passive-active).