Lasers
Lasrar

FAFN01, 7.5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2025/26
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED N
Date of Decision: 2025-04-10
Effective: 2025-05-05

General Information

Main field: Photonics Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Mandatory for: MFOT1
Elective for: BME4-bf, E4, F4, F4-f, F4-kv, N4
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

The overall goal of the course is for the student to acquire an in-depth understanding of the physics and principles behind lasers. The course covers the theoretical foundations of beam optics, cavity optics, light–matter interaction, laser amplifiers, and laser systems. Furthermore, the course aims for the student to gain both fundamental knowledge and practical skills necessary to study and apply lasers in scientific and technical contexts.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to describe the fundamental interactions between light and matter that lead to laser action
• be able to explain Gaussian beam optics and how beam parameters such as divergence, beam waist, and Rayleigh range are characterized
• be able to explain optical cavities and how their stability and modes influence laser behavior
• be able to describe the quantum mechanical description of light–matter interaction, including absorption, spontaneous emission, and stimulated emission
• be able to describe the use of various laser materials and how they amplify light in a laser system
• be able to explain the principles of different types of lasers and their applications.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to analyze the properties and behavior of optical beams and cavities
• be able to calculate the gain in laser amplifiers and understand their role in laser operation
• be able to apply laser principles to real-world problems and advanced technologies
• be able to describe and apply techniques for pulsed lasers to generate short and high-intensity light pulses.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to evaluate different types of lasers, including gas lasers and solid-state lasers
• be able to critically assess the suitability of various types of lasers for specific applications, such as material processing, communication, and spectroscopy
• be able to make well-informed decisions regarding experimental design and data collection in laser-based research
• be able to evaluate and propose solutions to challenges in the development and improvement of laser technology.

Contents

The course combines theory and practical skills to provide an understanding of lasers. It offers in-depth knowledge in the following areas:

• Beam Optics: Gaussian beam optics and transmission through optical components
• Cavity Optics: Stability and mode structures of optical cavities
• Light–Matter Interaction: Absorption, spontaneous and stimulated emission, as well as spectral broadening mechanisms
• Laser Amplifiers: Various types of laser gain media, their role in light amplification, and how to calculate the gain in a laser system
• Lasers: Conditions for laser oscillation, laser properties, different types of lasers, and pulsed laser operation.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment:

Examination is conducted in written form through project and laboratory reports during the course, as well as a written exam at the end of the course. For students who do not pass the regular exam, an additional exam opportunity will be offered shortly thereafter.

To pass the entire course, passing the exam, passing the laboratory reports, and participation in all mandatory elements are required. The grading scale for laboratory work and projects is Fail, Pass, while the written exam is graded on the scale of Fail, Three, Four, Five. The final grade is determined by the grade on the written exam.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Modules
Code: 0114. Name: Written Examination.
Credits: 4.5. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). Assessment: Written exam.
Code: 0214. Name: Project.
Credits: 1.0. Grading scale: UG - (U, G). Assessment: Passed project.
Code: 0314. Name: Laboratory Works.
Credits: 2.0. Grading scale: UG - (U, G). Assessment: Passed laboratory works.

Admission

Assumed prior knowledge: Basic Physics, Mathematics and Optics.
The number of participants is limited to: No
Kursen överlappar följande kurser: FAF073 FAF112

Reading list

• B. E. A. Saleh and M. C. Teich: Fundamentals of Photonics. Wiley Series in Pure and Applied Optics, John Wiley & sons, inc., 3rd edition, 2019, ISBN: 9781119506874. Chapters 3,11,14,15,16.

Contact

Course coordinator: Olle Lundh, olle.lundh@fysik.lth.se
Teacher: Jörgen Larsson, jorgen.larsson@fysik.lth.se
Examinator: Olle Lundh, olle.lundh@fysik.lth.se
Course homepage: https://canvas.education.lu.se/

Further information

The course is in full coordinated with FYST01 Physics: Lasers, 7.5 credits, given at the Faculty of Science.

It is mandatory to attend the first lecture in order to be admitted to the course.