Atomic and Laser Physics

Keble Physics tutorial page

Course information

Course web page

Lecture notes:

·         Dr. Paul Ewart, Atomic Physics

·         Dr. Simon Hooker, Laser Physics

Tutor         Dr. Alexander Lvovsky
E-mail: Alex.Lvovsky(at)physics.ox.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 1865 272275
Office: Beecroft, 1st floor, south side

Syllabus

·         Multi-electron atoms: central field approximation, electron configurations, shell structure, residual electrostatic interaction, spin orbit coupling (fine structure).

·         Spectra and energy levels: Term symbols, selection rules, X-ray notation, Auger transitions.

·         Hyperfine structure; effects of magnetic fields on fine and hyperfine structure.

·         Two level system in a classical light field: Rabi oscillations and Ramsey fringes, decaying states; Einstein

·         A and B coefficients; homogeneous and inhomogeneous broadening of spectral lines; rate equations.

·         Optical absorption and gain: population inversion in 3- and 4-level systems; optical gain cross section;saturated absorption and gain.

Study plan and homework

Homework for week 2 

·         Atomic Physics Problems 7-12

Homework for week 4 

·         Atomic Physics Problems 13-18

Homework for week 5 

·         Atomic Physics Problems 19-20

·         Two additional problems

·         Quantum Physics Problems 1-2

Homework for week 6 

·         Quantum Physics Problems 3-5

·         Laser Physics Problems 1-2

Homework for week 8 

·         Laser Physics Problems 3-7

·         Problems 2(c,d,e) and 4(d) from the 2019 exam