WiSe 16/17: Fundamentals in Modern Optics
Torsten Siebert
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Fundamentals in Modern Optics
Using the most current trends in modern optics and laser science as a point of departure, the fundamental concepts behind key developments and applications in diverse research fields will be treated with question such as: What aspects of laser architecture and variations of the laser scheme can lead to novel technologies such as optical frequency combs, which offer new dimensions in measurement precision and an accuracy beyond the established microwave standard in atomic clocks? What limits short-wavelength lasers and how is coherent radiation down to the X-ray regime obtained? What is the technology behind the generation of the shortest laser pulse to date? How do microcavities and the miniaturization of lasers down to the wavelength of light contribute to modern optics and how can traditional gas lasers inspire new approaches such as controlled lasing in air at long distance for atmospheric science? These and other questions in modern optics will be used as the context for approaching basic, underlying concepts such as the formalism of light propagation in different media, in restricted geometries and at phase transitions. Hereby, the linear and nonlinear optics involved will be treated, all of which are relevant for the generation and application of coherent radiation over the infrared to the visible and ultraviolet up to the X-ray regime. The latter will also introduce general ideas behind nonperturbative and relativistic effects. With these and other topics, the tools for understanding modern optics with basic concepts and a general overview of the underlying formalism will be provided.
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