This course aims at introducing the theoretical foundations of laser functioning, and the main application of lasers in different fields (biomedical, environment, industrial, cultural heritage).
At the end, the student should master the working principles of laser systems, and should be able to understand and critically evaluate a scientific publication on an application of lasers.
Prerequisites
Quantum mechanics
Teaching Methods
Class lectures, lab visits
Further information
None
Type of Assessment
Oral exam. During the exam, the student will present and discuss a scientific paper. The evaluation will focus on the paper understanding skills and the communication efficacy.
Course program
1. Introduction
2. Two-level systems
3. Optical cavity
4. Types of lasers
5. Optics of Gaussian beams
6. Instrumentation for laser manipulation: lenses, mirrors, polarization optical elements, acousto-optical elements, electro-optical elements, galvanometers, optical fibers.
7. Applications of laser in neuroscience: in vivo and ex vivo imaging, optogenetics
8. Applications of laser in material science: Raman and SERS spectroscopy
9. Biomedical applications of laser: label-free imaging of biological tissue
10. Applications of laser in biophysics: optical tweezers and single-molecule localization
11. Applications of laser in environmental monitoring
12. Industrial applications of laser
13. Applications of laser in cultural heritage