Chemistry 764
Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry
Lasers and Electrooptics
Spring 1997

Course Name: Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry - Lasers and Electro-Optics
Time/Location: 1:30-2:30 p.m., MWF, ML-109
Instructor: Professor Stephen Bialkowski and Professor Robert S. Brown
Office W-101
Phone: 797-1907
Office Hours: 10:30 - 12:30 M, W, F, by appointment, or using electronic mail to sbialkow@cc.usu.edu or brownusu@cc.usu.edu


Text: "Quantum Electronics", 3rd Edition, by Amnon Yariv, John Wiley, 1989 (required)

Course Content: This course consists of lectures addressing the fundamental properties of laser radiation, how it is produced and manipulated, the interaction of coherent radiation with matter, and how lasers are used for chemical analysis. The course will be team taught by Stephen Bialkowski and Robert Brown. Dr. Bialkowski will lecture on the fundamental principles and tools while Dr. Brown will lecture on the applications to chemical analysis.

Portions of the book involving the following topics will be covered during lecture. This list may be supplemented with outside reading assignments.

Topic Reading
Time-dependent perturbation theory Chapter 3
Electromagnetic fields and their quantization Chapter 5
Propagation of optical beams in homogeneous media Chapter 6
Optical resonators Chapter 7
Interaction of lasers with atomic systems Chapter 8
Laser oscillators Chapter 9
Specific laser systems Chapter 10
Semiconductor lasers Chapter 11
Q-switching Chapter 20
Nonlinear optics, second harmonic generation Chapter 16
Parametric oscillators Chapter 17
Raman, stimulated Raman, and Brillouin scattering Chapter 18
Coherent interactions with matter Chapter 15
Analytical applications supplemental

Course Objectives: To acquaint students with the mathematical tools and practical methods used when applying lasers to chemical analysis.

Examinations: There are no in-class examinations. However, assignments will be given.

Grading: Grades will be based on assignment performance. Approximately 4, equal-valued, problem sets will be assigned. Letter grade ranges will be: A, 90-100%; B, 80-89%; C, 70-79%; D, 60-69%. Plus (+) and minus (-) grade modifiers will be used to indicate scores in the upper and lower thirds of a range, respectively.

Withdrawal Policy: This course will follow the University policy on withdrawals stated in the current Undergraduate Catalog. Drop dates are listed in the Spring 1997 Schedule of Classes.

Missed Examination Policy: Students may be excused from assignments in cases of emergency.

Attendance Policy: Attendance will not be monitored. However, regular attendance is required for successful performance in this course.

Student Disability Statement: Any student with a disability that requires accommodations must contact the Instructor. The disability must be documented by the Disability Resource Center. Course materials may be requested in alternative formats.


Additional References:

There are many books on lasers and optical electronics in the library. Two of my favorites are:


This page was updated Tuesday, August 03, 2004