SK2800 Laser Spectroscopy 8.0 credits
The course starts with a short introduction to the laser and its physical properties. Light-matter interaction is then presented using a quantum mechanical description, starting from the basics of atoms and molecules. A number of modern spectroscopic techniques and their use in biological and chemical physics, medicine, and environmental science. Focus is on practical examples from society and advanced techniques used in the research laboratory. The course includes laborations where we apply the measurement techniques and the data analysis studied.
The main topics of the course are: Structure and dynamics of molecules. The construction and function of lasers. Interaction between light and matter. Laser types: narrow band and tunable, continuous wave and pulsed lasers, ultra-fast lasers and their physical properties. Laser applications in molecular physics and chemical physics: absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, time-resolved chemisty, spectroscopy of short lived molecules, Raman spectroscopy, THz spectroscopy, single-foton spectroscopy, photoemission spectroscopy, laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), femtosecond chemistry and spectroscopy, the use of the laser in the environment, in medicine and for diagnostic purposes.
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Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
The course starts with a short introduction to the laser and its physical properties. We then discuss light-matter interaction using a quantum mechanical description, starting from the basics of atoms and molecules. We study a number of modern spectroscopic techniques and their use in biological and chemical physics, medicine, and environmental science. Focus is on practical examples from society and advanced techniques used in the research laboratory. The course includes laborations where we apply the measurement techniques and the data analysis studied.
The main topics of the course are: Structure and dynamics of molecules. The construction and function of lasers. Interaction between light and matter. Laser types: narrow band and tunable, continuous wave and pulsed lasers, ultra-fast lasers and their physics. Laser applications in molecular physics and chemical physics: high resolution spectroscopy, short lived molecules (free radicals and ions), laser induced breakdwn spectroscopy (LIBS) femtosecond chemistry and spectroscopy, the use of the laser in medicine and for diagnostic purposes.
Intended learning outcomes
After completing the course the student should be able to:
- solve technical problems related to the quantum physical structure of atoms and molecules and their spectral properties.
- use laser spectroscopic measurement methods, instruments and calculation programs, and report results and evaluate limitations.
Course disposition
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
English B / English 6
Modern Physics, or Molecular Structure for K2 and BIO2, or Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy for K4.
Recommended prerequisites
Equipment
Literature
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- LAB1 - Laboratory Work, 2.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
- TEN1 - Examination, 6.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Other requirements for final grade
One written exam (TEN1; 6 university credits). To get the final mark the laboratory experiments have to be completed and approved (LAB1; 2 university credits).
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
Yes
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
Course web
Further information about the course can be found on the Course web at the link below. Information on the Course web will later be moved to this site.
Course web SK2800