Principles of lasers, by O.Svelto
Principles of Optics, by M. Born and E. Wolf, Pergamon Press.
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
Mandatory courses of Physics of Matter
Teaching Methods
Plenary lectures and laboratory training
Further information
Students will be asked to prepare two long reports ( 10-20 pages) on the laboratory activity. Few introductory lessons are common to the courses of Laboratory of Physics of matter.
Office hours: By appointment from Monday to Friday
Website: Moodle platform
http://e-l.unifi.it
Type of Assessment
The exam involves the drafting of 2 extended papers (10-20 pages) which describe the two laboratory experiences carried out. The papers must be delivered to the teachers at least one week before the subsequent oral exam, and their correctness, completeness and clarity are evaluated. The oral exam, lasting about 45', begins with a discussion of the papers. 1-2 questions on the topics covered in the course are then asked. The assessment will take into account the student's ability to explain the reasons for the experimental choices, the methods used and the results with clarity and mastery of the subject, highlighting the connections with the more general topics learned in the course and the tools that these have provided for solving the experimental problems.
Course program
Diffraction theory. Monochromator and Fabry-Perot spectrometers, optical resonators. Gaussian beams. Optics, filters, polarizing optics. Lock-in amplifier. Superheterodyne spectrum analyzer. Saturation spectroscopy. Operation and use of semiconductor lasers.
Laboratory experiments: a) Saturation spectroscopy of Rb and measurement of the hyperfine structure. b) Spectral characterization of a semiconductor laser.