Discover and use the techniques of ultrafast spectroscopy with an overview of modern methods and applications. Through exercises and presentations, explore the basic concepts underlying sub-picosecond phenomena in nature (ultrafast chemical processes, femtosecond electron dynamics in materials, etc.) and the tools used to study such phenomena (pump-probe spectroscopy, Terahertz time domain spectroscopy, etc.). Use these tools and techniques to perform measurements in the laboratory. Confirm these concepts through regular exercise sets and a final presentation.
Introduction, History and Development:
Basic Concepts
Understanding Ultrafast Pulses:
Spectrum, Fourier Transform, Uncertainty Principle, wavelength, repetition rate
Understanding Ultrafast Pulses & Capabilities:
Time Resolution, Nonlinearities,
Ultrafast pulse measurement: Spectrum, Phase, Amplitude, Intensity
Ultrafast pulse measurement: AutoCorrelation, FROG, SPIDER
Ultrafast Techniques: Pump Probe, Four-Wave Mixing, or others.
Ultrafast Techniques: Time Resolved Fluorescence, Up-converstion, or others.
Ultrafast Techniques: THz-TDS, Higher Harmonic Generation, or others.
Ultrafast Techniques: Single Shot Measurements, etc.
Applications: e.g. Condensed Matter Physics
Applications: e.g. Chemistry and Materials Science
Applications: e.g. Biology
Homework and Exercises, 80%; End of Class Presentation, 20%
Enrollment cap of 8 students