Ultrafast Laser Physics
This is a graduate level class with the goal to give also to the non-expert an efficient starting position to enter into the field of ultrafast laser physics. The lecture covers technologies for ultrashort optical pulse generation with durations from nanoseconds to attoseconds and over a wide range of the electro-magnetic spectrum. It presents the physics of ultrashort laser pulses and their interaction with matter. We discuss how to characterize such pulses and how to successfully use them to measure ultrafast dynamical processes. A basic knowledge in lasers and the undergraduate class in Quantum Electronics are recommended.
Info
Prof. Dr. L. Gallmann will give the lecture of Ultrafast Laser Physics during the fall semester HS 2023.
Lecture:
Wednesday from 12:45 till 13.30, HCP E47.3
Thursday from 9:45 till 11:30, HCP E47.2
Exercises:
Wednesday from 13:45 till 15:30, HCP E 47.4
Program
- Linear pulse propagation and dispersion compensation
- Nonlinear pulse propagation and nonlinear optics with ultrashort pulses
- Relaxation oscillations and Q-switching
- Active and passive modelocking
- Pulse duration and pulse shape measurements
- Pump probe measurements and noise
- Frequency combs and carrier envelope offset phase
- High-harmonic generation and attosecond science
- Ultrafast THz science
- Hot topics in ultrafast science
Literature
The lecture is based on the book:
Keller, U., Ultrafast Lasers, Springer, 2021
ISBN 978-3-030-82531-7
ETH students and staff can download an electronic copy of the book external pagehere.
Suggested book for the prerequisite knowledge
(Quantum Electronics):
Saleh, B. E. A., Teich, M. C., Fundamentals of Photonics, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1991
Lecture Viewgraphs
Exercises
Additional Introductory Material
Master class held by Prof. Dr. U. Keller at FOM Veldhoven (2014):
