SC 541: An Introduction to Femtosecond Laser Techniques

General Course Description: This interactively taught half-day course provides basic knowledge of the measurements of and research with femtosecond laser pulses. Beginning with the basic principles of the interaction of light and matter, we'll discuss the interaction of intense short pulses with matter. Using worksheets we'll address a number of common conceptual misconceptions in an interactive and collaborative setting.

Benefits Learning outcomes:

This course will enable you to

• Explain the basis for the electronic and optical properties of solids and the interaction between matter and light
• Describe various optical probing techniques
• Follow recent advances in femtosecond laser science

Intended audience: This course is aimed at people intending to learn more about ultrashort laser pulses and their interaction with matter. Anyone working in this rapidly growing field will benefit from the material presented.

Instructor: Eric Mazur holds a triple appointment as Harvard College Professor, Gordon McKay Professor of Applied Physics, and Professor of Physics at Harvard University. He is an internationally recognized scientist and researcher, and he leads a vigorous research program in optical physics and is also interested in improving science education.