SC136 Understanding Lasers and Critical Optical Components

Sunday, May 4, 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Shaoul Ezekiel; MIT, USA

Level: Beginner (no background or minimal training is necessary to understand course material)

Course Description
Lasers today are essential in scientific research and in the development of many novel high tech products and systems. They are used in ultra-broadband communication, ultra-dense data storage, a variety of unique sensors, medical diagnostics and surgery, smart structures, smart weapons and many more. We will address what makes lasers unique, effective and revolutionary for many areas.

In this course, the fundamentals that govern the behavior of lasers will be explained using simple language so they may be easily understood without a strong technical background. The topics covered will include the unique properties of lasers and how such properties come about, how a simple laser works, some of the problems with lasers and how to eliminate them, types of available lasers and how they work, how light interacts with matter to create novel applications, and techniques for the manipulation of laser light as needed in photonic systems. The course ends with a discussion of some challenging laser applications, as well as an introduction to future predictions.

Benefits and Learning Objectives
This course should enable you to:

• Understand what lasers are, their unique characteristics, their limitations, and their problems.
• Become familiar with the many types of lasers available today.
• Learn how laser light can be manipulated for various applications.
• Comprehend how lasers can be used to create novel applications.
• Appreciate recent and future possibilities in laser applications.

Intended Audience
This course is intended for all those who want to understand what lasers are all about without relying on mathematical treatment. It is suitable for engineers, scientists, educators, managers, business executives, doctors, medical personnel and others who are using, developing, or marketing laser systems, or those who wish to learn what role lasers can play in their fields.

Instructor Biography
Shaoul Ezekiel is professor of aeronautics and astronautics, and electrical engineering at MIT. His research interests include atom-field interaction, high resolution laser spectroscopy, optical frequency/wavelength/time standards, laser frequency stabilization, and sensors, such as those that measure inertial rotation (gyroscopes), high magnetic fields, precision voltages and currents, and various molecular species. His unique teaching style is "fat free" and highly interactive.