Laser Spectroscopy Podcast

Episodes

1. 22

   Laser frequency stabilization

   We look at sources of laser frequency noise and discuss feedback techniques using a reference cavity or a molecular transition to stabilize the laser frequency.

   Dec 1, 2009

   1h 11m
2. 21

   Ultrafast Spectroscopy

   We look at pump probe methods using ultrafast pulses for high temporal resolution experiments.

   Nov 19, 2009

   1h 03m
3. 20

   Short Pulse Generation

   We look at transient effects in laser gain material, -switching and mode locking as methods to get short pulses.

   Nov 17, 2009

   1h 16m
4. 19

   Raman Scattering

   Podcsat from 2008 of lecture on Raman spectroscopy. This is in place of the 11/9 lecture given about Raman spectroscopy, for which the audio didn't record properly.

   Nov 10, 2009

   1h 15m
5. 18

   Stimulated Raman Spectroscopy

   Podcsat from 2008 of lecture on stimulated Raman scattering. This content was not covered in class this semester. This is for your interest only and will not be covered on exams.

   Nov 10, 2009

   1h 15m
6. 17

   Nonlinear Spectroscopy

   We look at how saturation causes hole burning in a spectral line, and measurement techniques such as lamb-dip spectroscopy and intermodulated fluorescence that can take advantage of this for doppler-free measurements.

   Nov 5, 2009

   1h 17m
7. 16

   Emission Spectroscopy

   We look at basic methods of emission spectroscopy including laser induced fluorescence, resonant enhanced multi-photon emission (REMPI), intermodulated fluorescence and stimulated emission pumping.

   Oct 29, 2009

   1h 13m
8. 15

   Absorption Spectroscopy

   WE look at basic techniques of absorption spectroscopy including direct detection, frequency modulation, intracavity absorption and cavity ringdown spectroscopy.

   Oct 27, 2009

   1h 17m
9. 14

   spectral line profiles

   We look at how the natural lifetime of an energy level produces a Lorentzian line profile and how the natural linewidth can be broadened by Doppler broadening, pressure broadening, transit time broadening and saturation broadening.

   Oct 22, 2009

   1h 15m
10. 13

    Interferometers

    We look at how interferometers can be used to measure wanelength.

    Oct 13, 2009

    1h 15m
11. 12

    Spectrometer Operation

    We look at the principles of operation of prism spectrometers and grating spectrometers and discuss operating characteristics (speed, resolving power, spectral transmission and free spectral range).

    Oct 8, 2009

    1h 19m
12. 11

    Photodetectors

    We consider the advantages and disadvantages of three classes of photodetectors: photodiodes, photomultiplier tubes and thermal detectors.

    Oct 6, 2009

    1h 20m
13. 10

    Tunable Lasers

    We look at several examples of tunable lasers and discuss nonlinear optics as a mechanism to increase the region of the spectrum available from laser sources.

    Sep 29, 2009

    1h 14m
14. 9

    Fundamentals of Lasers

    We look at 3-level and 4-level gain systems in laser amplifiers, discuss optical cavities and tuning elements of laser oscillators.

    Sep 24, 2009

    1h 18m
15. 8

    Molecular Absorption

    We look at an example of calculating the bond length and bond strength of HCl from a measured mid IR absorption spectrum.

    Sep 24, 2009

    1h 02m
16. 7

    Molecular Energy Levels

    We look at energy levels associated with rotation and vibration of molecular bonds

    Sep 24, 2009

    1h 20m
17. 6

    Energy Levels

    We look at the Bohr model of the atom and see how it can be used to explain the line spectrum of Hydrogen, and then generalize to other atoms.

    Sep 15, 2009

    1h 15m
18. 5

    Gravity Measurements

    We look at an application of our previous quantum treatment of the two-level atom for measuring G the universal gravitational constant.

    Sep 10, 2009

    1h 11m
19. 4

    Quantum Model of Absorption

    We look at absorption as a quantum effect and introduce the Einstein A and B coefficients for stimulated and spontaneous emission.

    Sep 3, 2009

    1h 17m
20. 3

    Index of Refraction and Absorption

    We use the classical electron oscillator model to derive the functional form of the index of refraction in material as well as the absorption, which we relate to the cross section.

    Sep 1, 2009

    1h 11m
21. 2

    Classical Electron Oscillator Model

    We investigate absorption of light by matter using the classical electron oscillator model. In the process we introduce phasor notation.

    Aug 27, 2009

    1h 12m