4S03/6S03 Introduction to Lasers and Electro-Optics

Term I - 2011/2012

Instructor:  
Dr. Chang-qing Xu

LECTURES:

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday

17:30 - 18:20

PC/335

                   
OBJECTIVE:
This lecture course is aimed at providing a foundation for understanding of physics and applications of lasers and other electro-optic devices.

COURSE CONTENT:
The material covered in this course includes the basic description of light in terms of electro-magnetic fields. Relevant aspects of geometric and physical optics as well as physics of radiation will be reviewed. The propagation of light through materials and the optical response of materials are used to introduce non-linear optical phenomena, including optical amplification. The properties of resonators and the basic operation of lasers are discussed and the unique properties of laser radiation are described. These topics are described in the context of representative laser systems and their industrial applications as well as optical mirrors, detectors, modulators, optical fibers, etc.

TEXT:
Kelin J. Kuhn, “Laser Engineering”, Prentice-Hall, 1998.

COURSE GRADING:

(*)  Presentation of a seminar is a mandatory part of the course. Seminar sessions will be scheduled at the end of the term. Seminar grading will be done through a peer-review by fellow students. All students registered in course are expected to attend all the seminars and fill up the peer assessment forms at the end of each presentation. Specific instructions on seminar preparation and list of suggested topics will be given later.

The instructor and university reserve the right to modify elements of the course during the term. The university may change the dates and deadlines for any or all courses in extreme circumstances. If either type of modification becomes necessary, reasonable notice and communication with the students will be given with explanation and the opportunity to comment on changes. It is the responsibility of the student to check their McMaster email and course websites weekly during the term and to note any changes.

POLICY REMINDERS:
Academic dishonesty consists of misrepresentation by deception or by other fraudulent means and can result in serious consequences, e.g. the grade of zero on an assignment, loss of credit with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: "Grade of F assigned for academic dishonesty"), and/or suspension or expulsion from the university.
It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty. For information on the various kinds of academic dishonesty please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy, specifically Appendix 3, located at http://www.mcmaster.ca/senate/academic/ac_integrity.htm

The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty:

1. Plagiarism, e.g. the submission of work that is not one's own or for which other credit has been obtained.
2. Improper collaboration in group work.
3. Copying or using unauthorized aids in tests and examinations.

The Faculty of Engineering is concerned with ensuring an environment that is free of all adverse discrimination. If there is a problem that cannot be resolved by discussion among the persons concerned, individuals are reminded that they should contact their Department Chair, the Sexual Harassment Officer or the Human Rights Consultant, as soon as possible.