Lasers and Photonics

Catalog description

Topics include an introduction to lasers and photonics; a short review of electromagnetic theory; ray tracing and lens systems; polarization of light and polarization modulators; Gaussian beams and wave propagation; optical resonators and cavity stability; spontaneous emission, stimulated emission and absorption; rate equations for gain medium; population inversion; characteristics and applications of specific lasers;waveguides and fiber optics; fiber optic communications systems; electro-optic modulators; and acoustic-optic modulators. Requires students to complete a project focusing on the design of a laser system including choice of gain medium, cavity optics, pumping mechanism, power and efficiency estimates, and cost analysis. Requires reports and presentations. This course is dual-listed with EE 589.