Students
PHTN702 – Advanced Photonics
2015 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer
David Spence
Contact via david.spence@mq.edu.au
E6B 2.709
By appointment
Convenor
Michael Withford
Contact via 7056
Level 4, Aust. Hearing Hub
Lecturer
Michael Steel
Contact via 8916
E6B 2.708
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
We explore the origin of nonlinear optical effects, and how they are used in modern optics to convert and control light. We derive the hierarchy of nonlinear effects, such as simple frequency doubling and mixing and enhancement using periodic materials; the Kerr effect and its applications in ultrafast lasers; Raman scattering and Brillouin scattering and their relevance to all-optical switching; and high-harmonic generation for generating XUV light and attosecond pulses. Advanced topics may include using the nonlinear Schrodinger equation to investigate nonlinear effects in fibres, such as soliton formation, super continuum generation.
We establish how to use light-matter interactions to detect and study atoms and molecules. We determine the form of their excitation spectra, the factors that determine the shape and width of the spectral features, and how to measure them using infrared to ultraviolet excitation wavelengths. We will study more complex techniques that may include enhancements such as cavity ring down and Doppler-free methods; Raman spectroscopy and techniques such as CARS; and enhancement of Raman scattering using nanostructures and the quest for single molecule detection.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Describe how simple molecules interact with radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum.
- Analyse molecular spectra to determine physical parameters of simple molecules.
- Describe line broadening mechanisms and apply the knowledge to explain the details of measured atomic and molecular spectra.
- Understand the experimental requirements for laser-based high resolution measurement of optical spectra and be able to evaluate the experimental approaches.
- Explain how high resolution spectroscopy can be applied to address major problems in other fields such as cosmology and quantum electrodynamics.
- Explain the origin of optical nonlinearities and be able manipulate and interpret the mathematical descriptions of nonlinear phenomena.
- Understand and describe the principles and methods for advanced photonics topics such as laser structuring of materials and terahertz generation and applications.
- Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of research principles and methods in photonics.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Assignments | 60% | Biweekly |
| Exam | 40% | Exam week |
Assignments
Due: Biweekly
Weighting: 60%
There are 6 assignments in total: 2 each assigned by the 3 unit lecturers. The assignments will comprise of questions and / or tasks designed to engage the students with the material as it's covered. The difficulty of the questions /tasks will be set so that the assignment would take on average around 5 hours to complete.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Describe how simple molecules interact with radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum.
- Analyse molecular spectra to determine physical parameters of simple molecules.
- Describe line broadening mechanisms and apply the knowledge to explain the details of measured atomic and molecular spectra.
- Understand the experimental requirements for laser-based high resolution measurement of optical spectra and be able to evaluate the experimental approaches.
- Explain how high resolution spectroscopy can be applied to address major problems in other fields such as cosmology and quantum electrodynamics.
- Explain the origin of optical nonlinearities and be able manipulate and interpret the mathematical descriptions of nonlinear phenomena.
- Understand and describe the principles and methods for advanced photonics topics such as laser structuring of materials and terahertz generation and applications.
- Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of research principles and methods in photonics.
Exam
Due: Exam week
Weighting: 40%
An exam covering the entire course.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of research principles and methods in photonics.
Delivery and Resources
Classes
Mixed lectures, tutorials and discussion, with 4 timetabled hours per week.
The timetable for classes can be found on the University web site at: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/
Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials
Recommended Text
As advised by lecturers.
Unit Web Page
Lecture notes will be available online at iLearn.
Teaching and Learning Strategy
The theoretical aspects of this unit are taught in lectures and tutorials with fortnightly assignments to strengthen the understanding of the material. The material is mathematical in nature and true understanding can only be achieved through testing and refining understanding through problem solving. This is complemented by hands-on exposure to related systems (eg lasers, spectrometers etc) in a research lab environment. An additional strategy is to increase awareness regarding the open access facilities that support postgraduate research projects. This will be implemented by exposing the students to relevant fabrication and diagnostic facilities both within and outside the University.
Schedule of topics
A plan of topics is under Unit Schedule. Lecturers for each part of the course will provide an outline of that part.
What has changed?
- This unit was previously offered as the Honours course in Modern Experimental Optical and Atomic Physics. The first half of this unit corresponds to some elements of this course, and the second half to new material on nonlinear optics, optical materials, lasers, and laser applications.
- There are many changes from the offering last year. These include greater exposure to working photonic systems and guest lectures on topical areas of research. We will therefore appreciate your feedback contributions through the unit questionnaires, and any individual comments you may have.
Unit Schedule
Week 1: Introduction to Photonics at Macqaurie
Week 2 - 4: Atomic and molecular spectroscopy
Weeks 5 - 7: Advanced spectroscopy techniques
Week 8: Lasers and material interactions
Week 9-11: Nonlinear optics
Week 12: THz physics
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Describe how simple molecules interact with radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum.
- Analyse molecular spectra to determine physical parameters of simple molecules.
- Describe line broadening mechanisms and apply the knowledge to explain the details of measured atomic and molecular spectra.
- Understand the experimental requirements for laser-based high resolution measurement of optical spectra and be able to evaluate the experimental approaches.
- Explain how high resolution spectroscopy can be applied to address major problems in other fields such as cosmology and quantum electrodynamics.
- Explain the origin of optical nonlinearities and be able manipulate and interpret the mathematical descriptions of nonlinear phenomena.
- Understand and describe the principles and methods for advanced photonics topics such as laser structuring of materials and terahertz generation and applications.
- Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of research principles and methods in photonics.
Assessment tasks
- Assignments
- Exam
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Analyse molecular spectra to determine physical parameters of simple molecules.
- Describe line broadening mechanisms and apply the knowledge to explain the details of measured atomic and molecular spectra.
- Explain how high resolution spectroscopy can be applied to address major problems in other fields such as cosmology and quantum electrodynamics.
- Explain the origin of optical nonlinearities and be able manipulate and interpret the mathematical descriptions of nonlinear phenomena.
Assessment tasks
- Assignments
- Exam
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Analyse molecular spectra to determine physical parameters of simple molecules.
- Explain how high resolution spectroscopy can be applied to address major problems in other fields such as cosmology and quantum electrodynamics.
- Explain the origin of optical nonlinearities and be able manipulate and interpret the mathematical descriptions of nonlinear phenomena.
Assessment tasks
- Assignments
- Exam
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Describe how simple molecules interact with radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum.
- Describe line broadening mechanisms and apply the knowledge to explain the details of measured atomic and molecular spectra.
- Explain how high resolution spectroscopy can be applied to address major problems in other fields such as cosmology and quantum electrodynamics.
- Explain the origin of optical nonlinearities and be able manipulate and interpret the mathematical descriptions of nonlinear phenomena.
- Understand and describe the principles and methods for advanced photonics topics such as laser structuring of materials and terahertz generation and applications.
Assessment tasks
- Assignments
- Exam