Light - Matter Interaction
Ljus - materia växelverkan

FAFN05, 7.5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2024/25
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED F/Pi
Date of Decision: 2024-04-15
Effective: 2024-05-08

General Information

Main field: Nanoscience Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Elective for: F4, F4-tf, F4-f, F4-axn, F4-kv, MFOT1, MNAV1
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

The aim of the course is to give the student an advanced knowledge in atomic physics and especially on the interaction between light and matter.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to describe the interaction between matter and light by using quantum mechanics.
• be able to orient himself/herself in modern research fields connected to light-matter interaction, such as atoms in strong laser fields, laser cooling and trapping of atoms, manipulation of quantum states.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• independently be able to perform realistic quantum mechanical calculations on existing systems, both analytically and numerically.
• be able to formulate and solve some simple physics problems within atomic physics especially concerning the interaction between atoms and radiation.
• have obtained an increased competence in presenting reports from lab exercises and be able to discuss the content at an advanced level.
• be able to find, acquire and assess knowledge from literature at an advanced level.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• independently be able to decide which methods can be used for different problems.
• have an increased experience of working in groups towards a common goal.

Contents

• Interaction between atoms and light
• Laser cooling and trapping. Radiation forces
• Atoms in strong fields. Application to extreme optics: attosecond pulses
• Manipulation of atoms, molecules and larger systems with light. Atom Optics.
• Quantum technology with atoms and ions

Examination details

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

Written exam. Two mandatory laboratory exercises with preparation assignments and reports.

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: 0108. Name: Light - Matter Interaction.
Credits: 7.5. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5).

Admission

Assumed prior knowledge: Basic Atomic Physics and Quantum Mechanics.
The number of participants is limited to: No

Reading list

• Christopher J. Foot: Atomic Physics. Oxford University Press, 2005. Foot, C.J.: Atomic Physics. Oxford University Press 2005 (Chap. 7-14).
• Laboratory instructions.

Contact

Course coordinator: Andreas Walther, andreas.walther@fysik.lth.se
Teacher: Anne L´Huillier, anne.lhuillier@fysik.lth.se
Course homepage: https://www.atomic.physics.lu.se/education/elective-courses/fafn05-fyst21-light-matter-interaction/