Laser Physics

Author: the photonics expert Dr. Rüdiger Paschotta (RP)

Definition: the field of physics dealing with phenomena in lasers

Categories: article belongs to category laser devices and laser physics laser devices and laser physics, article belongs to category physical foundations physical foundations

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DOI: 10.61835/9k6 Cite the article: BibTex plain text HTML Link to this page! LinkedIn

Laser physics is concerned with various physical aspects of the operation of lasers, such as

the physics of laser gain media (e.g. microscopic effects relevant for the laser performance)
the temporal evolution of light in the laser resonator, e.g. the build-up of laser power in Q-switched operation (→ laser dynamics)
the formation of ultrashort pulses via mode locking (→ pulse propagation modeling)
the origins of laser noise
the sensitivity of laser resonators against thermal lensing effects or misalignment

A comprehensive knowledge of laser physics in addition to optics is an indispensable requirement for good laser design and laser development. For example, an understanding of laser dynamics is important for designing Q-switched lasers. Similarly, a deep knowledge of the properties of optical resonators, and of the effects which typically affect resonator modes of lasers, is essential for resonator design. Also, the development of laser sources for ultrashort pulses requires the understanding of the fundamental properties of short light pulses and their interaction with various components in a laser.

More to Learn

Lasers

Laser design

Laser dynamics

Pulse propagation modeling

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Bibliography

[1]	A. E. Siegman, Lasers, University Science Books, Mill Valley, CA (1986)
[2]	O. Svelto, Principles of Lasers, Plenum Press, New York (1998)
[3]	F. Träger (editor), Handbook of Lasers and Optics, Springer, Berlin (2007)
[4]	R. Paschotta, Field Guide to Lasers, SPIE Press, Bellingham, WA (2007)

(Suggest additional literature!)

Questions and Comments from Users

2021-10-10

Laser physics seems to be a very big field. I want to pursue a Ph. D. in laser physics; how can I identify a specific area for my research?

The author's answer:

That's an important and difficult question. You may consider many aspects for such a decision:

Did you come across interesting papers, where you feel you would be motivated to intensively work on such things?
Have you already got some expertise which makes it easier to get a corresponding position? However, it can also be advantageous to move to other subject areas to broaden your experience.
Importantly, you need a position where there are good opportunities to work in a certain direction – for example, colleagues from which you can learn a lot, required infrastructure, etc. You may first want to identify interesting institutes and ask people working there for suggestions concerning topics. That is usually more realistic than first deciding for a subject and then searching for a suitable position.
Also consider how you may profit later on from the gained experience. For example, would it be suitable as a start of an interesting career as a researcher, or sufficiently practical for later getting an industry job, or even for both directions?

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