Principles of lasers, by O.Svelto
Dynamic light scattering, by B. J. Berne, R. Pecora.
Learning Objectives
Experimental techniques in the field of optical spectroscopy for the measurement of different physical quantities which are relevant for the investigation of atoms, liquids and solids.
Prerequisites
Physics of matter basics ( atoms, molecules, liquids, solids)
Mandatory courses of Physics of Matter
Teaching Methods
Plenary lectures and laboratory training. Students will be asked to prepare long reports ( 10-20 pages) on the laboratory activity
Further information
Office hours for students:
Gambi:Tuesday 11.00-13.00 presso il Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, studio 229
Torre: tuesday 11.00-13.00 at LENS, studio 62
Oral exam with discussion of the laboratory reports
Course program
Laser Sources: Gas, solid-state , semiconductor and dye lasers. Introduction to different laser systmes and to the control techniques of laser pulses .
Introduction to light scattering: fluctuations and correlation functions . Physical observables and the measured signals . Carrier scattering .Frequency and time resolved spectroscopy .
Elastic scattering processes : Auto and cross correlation of intensity. Principles of Random Walk processes . Fick's law. Hydrodynamic radius. Nanoparticles. Homodyne and heterodyne detection. Digital correlator.
Inelastic scattering processes: Raman and Brillouin spectroscopy. Molecular vibrations and collective processes. Structural and acoustic phenomena. Introduction to time-resolved non-linear spectroscopy and techniques, visit to few research laboratories.
Laboratory experiments
Measurements of elastic scattering on nanoparticles: Measurement of nanoparticles hydrodynamic radius and diffusion coefficient. Measure of the average intensity of scattered light at different angle .
Measurements of inelastic scattering: Raman spectroscopy . Frequency-resolved spectroscopy in a liquid with molecular assignment of the spectral lines to molecular vibrations.