Lecturer: Vittorio Degiorgio  

Course name: Nonlinear Optics
Course code: 502889
Degree course: Ingegneria Elettronica
Disciplinary field of science: FIS/03
University credits: CFU 6
Course website: n.d.

Specific course objectives

The aim of the Course is to treat the nonlinear interactions between laser beams and transparent media and their utilization for frequency conversion and nonlinear devices. Applications to information and communication technology, to biomedical and environmental diagnostics will be discussed.

Course programme

Second-order nonlinear phenomena
Nonlinear propagation equations in the paraxial approximation. Phase matching condition. Second-harmonic generation. Parametric amplification and oscillation. Frequency conversion with ultrashort pulses: spectral acceptance, temporal walk-off. Nonlinear optical materials. Phase-matching techniques.

Third-order nonlinear phenomena
Third-harmonic generation, optical Kerr effect, self-focussing, self-phase modulation. Four-wave mixing: frequency conversion, optical phase conjugation.

Ultrashort pulses
Fourier-transform and chirped optical pulses. Nonlinear propagation equation in optical fibers. Temporal solitons. Measurement of pulse duration through correlation techniques.

Coherence and correlation functions
Classical definition of temporal and spatial coherence in terms of correlation functions. Measurement techniques. Glauber definition: higher-order correlations. Intensity correlation function. Heterodyne measurements. Comparison between the laser and the conventional light source.

Light scattering
Static and dynamic Rayleigh scattering. Raman and Brillouin scattering. Scattering from Brownian particles and flowing particles. Laser Doppler velocimetry. LIDAR approach for environmental studies. Particle trapping. Biomedical applications. Stimulated Raman scattering: Raman amplifiers and oscillators, CARS technique.

Course entry requirements

Basic concepts about electromagnetic fields and photonics

Course structure and teaching

Lectures (hours/year in lecture theatre): 45
Practical class (hours/year in lecture theatre): 0
Practicals / Workshops (hours/year in lecture theatre): 0

Suggested reading materials

V. Degiorgio. Lecture Notes on Nonlinear Optics.

A. Yariv. Quantum Electronics. Wiley, New York, 1989..

R. W. Boyd. Nonlinear Optics. Academic Press, London, 2003.

Testing and exams

Oral examination