PHYS 870 – Non-linear and Quantum Optics - Fall 2010

Lecture: T/U,   1:05-2:20 p.m.   CW 145

 Textbooks: Nonlinear Optics, Boyd; Introductory Quantum Optics, Gerry and Knight;

 Suggested References: Introduction to Quantum Optics, From Light Quanta to Quantum Teleportation, Paul; The Quantum Challenge, Greenstein and Zajonc; Quantum Optics, Walls and Milburn; Coherence and Quantum Optics, Mandel and Wolf; Nonlinear Optics, Shen; Nonlinear Fiber Optics, Agrawal; Handbook of Nonlinear Optics, Sutherland; Handbook of Nonlinear Optical Crystals, Dmitriev, Gurzadyan, and Nikogosyan; Electromagnetic Noise and Quantum Optical Measurements, Haus; 

Instructor: Dr. Brian R. Washburn, CW 36B, (785) 532-2263, washburn@phys.ksu.edu. Office hours: M/W/F 9:30-10:30 PM or by appt.

 Prerequisites:  A solid foundation in undergraduate-level quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and optics.

 Course Objective:  The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the field of nonlinear optics, exploring the physical mechanisms, applications, and experimental techniques.  Furthermore the fundamentals of quantum optics will be taught in the second half in this course.  Connections between quantum and nonlinear optics will be highlighted throughout the semester.  My goal is for students to end up with a working knowledge of nonlinear optics and a conceptual understanding of the foundations of quantum optics.  

 Grading:  

 Exams:  There will be two exams during the semester.  The format will be a take-home exam to be completed over 24 hours.

 Mini-Projects:  Problems in nonlinear and quantum optics are quite involved, so traditional homework assignments will not properly teach the material.  So, the homework for this course will be in the form of mini-projects.  The mini-projects will be a detailed solution of interconnected problems related to lecture topics.  The problems will need to be solved using resources beyond the textbook and class notes.  The purpose of the mini-projects is to mimic problem-solving scenarios found in a research environment.  

There will be between 5-7 mini-projects, each given with two or more weeks for completion.  Working on the mini-projects in groups is strongly encouraged, but you will need to write up the assignment on your own. 

 Final Project:  There will be a final project for the class but no final exam.  The final project will be an investigation of a topic or problem in the areas of nonlinear and quantum optics, that will involve a literature search and some original work.  The final project will consist of three parts:

Part 1: Abstract and bibliography

Part 2: 6 page paper plus references

Part 3: 15 minute presentation 

 Late Projects:  No project will be accepted after its due date unless prior arrangements have been made. Please inform me with possible conflicts before the due date, and other arrangements will be made.

 Class Material:  Extra class materials are posted on K‑state Online, including papers and tutorials. 

Disabilities:  If you have any condition such as a physical or learning disability, which will make it difficult for you to carry out the work as I have outlined it or which will require academic accommodations, please notify me and contact the Disabled Students Office (Holton 202), in the first two weeks of the course.

 Plagiarism:  Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses and may be punished by failure on the exam, paper or project; failure in the course; and/or expulsion from the University. For more information refer to the “Academic Dishonesty” policy in K-State Undergraduate Catalog and the Undergraduate Honor System Policy on the Provost’s web page: http://www.ksu.edu/honor/.

Copyright:  This syllabus and all lectures copyright September 2010 by Brian R. Washburn.