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402-0470-17L 6 Credits DR , MSC D-PHYS

Optical Frequency Combs: Physics and Applications

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Giacomo Scalari
Does not take place this semester.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:07:25

Abstract

In this lecture, the goal is to review the physics behind mode-locking in these various devices, as well as discuss the most important novelties and applications of the newly developed sources.

Objective

In this lecture, the goal is to review the physics behind mode-locking in these various devices, as well as discuss the most important novelties and applications of the newly developed sources.

Content

Since their invention, the optical frequency combs have shown to be a key technological tool with applications in a variety of fields ranging from astronomy, metrology, spectroscopy and telecommunications. Concomitant with this expansion of the application domains, the range of technologies that have been used to generate optical frequency combs has recently widened to include, beyond the solid-state and fiber mode-locked lasers, optical parametric oscillators, microresonators and quantum cascade lasers. In this lecture, the goal is to review the physics behind mode-locking in these various devices, as well as discuss the most important novelties and applications of the newly developed sources. Chapt 1: Fundamentals of optical frequency comb generation - Physics of mode-locking: time domain picture Propagation and stability of a pulse, soliton formation - Dispersion compensation Solid-state and fiber mode-locked laser Chapt 2: Direct generation Microresonator combs: Lugiato-Lefever equation, solitons Quantum cascade laser: Frequency domain picture of the mode-locking Mid-infrared and terahertz QCL combs Chapt 3: Non-linear optics DFG, OPOs Chapt 4: Comb diagnostics and noise Jitter, linewidth Chapt 5: Self-referenced combs and their applications Chapt 6: Dual combs and their applications to spectroscopy

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 20 minutes

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Optical Frequency Combs: Physics and Applications
Does not take place this semester.
No time listed 2 h weekly
exercise Optical Frequency Combs: Physics and Applications
Does not take place this semester.
No time listed 1 h weekly

Offered In