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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2018 - 2019

Module Title Quantum Electronics
Module Code PS407
School School of Physical Sciences

Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorDr Jean-Paul MosnierOffice NumberN142
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

The purpose of this module is to give students a working knowledge of (1) the theory and operation of lasers and (2) some optical phenomena related to and made possible by laser radiation. In particular, non-linear optical effects and effects employed in the modulation of optical radiation are treated.

Learning Outcomes

1. Outline the fundamentals of the electromagnetic optics of crystals and non linear media
2. Explain the theory of the optical oscillator to include resonator optics and the physics of the laser amplifier with selected examples of gas and solid state lasers.
3. Describe the principles of pulsed laser operation to include Q-switching (ns lasers), mode-locking (ps lasers) and pulse chirped amplification (fs lasers)
4. Outline the principles of Electro-optics to include laser based applications
5. Outline the principles of second- and third-order Non linear optics to include laser based applications
6. Describe and explain in detail a state of the art development in the field of photonics



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture30In class education
Independent Study75Learning of course material
Assignment Completion20Project work: research of material, interim report and presentation, final report and presentation
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Lecture Series 1
Wave Optics, the Gaussian beam, higher order Gaussian beams; Electromagnetic optics, anisotropic media, the polarization ellipse, normal modes, crystal optics, the index ellipse, the wave retarder.

Lecture Series 2
The optical resonator, plane, spherical, unstable resonators

Lecture Series 3
Shape and width of spectral lines, natural linewidth, collisional and Doppler broadening

Lecture Series 4
Theory of the laser, the amplifier gain, bandwidth, non-linearity, gain saturation, the oscillator: gain and threshold conditions, spectral and spatial distributions, hole burning.

Lecture series 5
Pulsed lasers, Q-switching, mode-locking, chirped pulse amplification

Lecture Series 6
Electro-optics: Pockels and Kerr effects, applications

Lecture Series 7
Non-linear Optics, non-linear susceptibility, 2nd harmonic generation, non-linear electro-optic effect, three-wave mixing, phase matchning, parametric oscillators, third-order non-linear optics, Optical Kerr effect, four-wave mixing

Seminar Presentations
Short presentations of aspects of advanced photonics topic (e.g. quantum cascade laser, VCSEL, laser space communications, etc...). To create an awareness of the latest developments.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment25% Examination Weight75%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • B.E. Saleh and M.C. Teich: 0, Fundamentals of Photonics B.E. Saleh and M.C. Teich, 1st (1991) or 2nd edition (2007), Chapter 3,5,6,9,12,13,14,18 and 19 (1991 edition), Wiley Interscience,
  • A. Yariv: 1989, Quantum Electronics, 2nd Edition, Chapters 6-11, 16, 20, John Wiley and Sons,
  • A. Yariv: 1991, Optical Electronics, 1st Edition, 1,2,4-9, Saunders HBJ,
Other Resources

33893, moodle.dcu.ie/PS407, Jean-Paul Mosnier, 2009, Quantum Electronics Lecture Notes, Dublin City University,
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