Ultrafast Lasers and Non-linear Optics

This lecture covers the principles of ultrafast lasers and non-linear optics, starting with an introduction to ray optics and wave optics, followed by discussions on laser principles, optical tweezers, microscopy, manipulation, spectroscopy, and electrodynamic optics. It also explores materials properties, linear and non-linear effects, ultrafast lasers, X-rays, diffraction, imaging, and spectroscopy. The instructor explains the concepts of mode selection, cavity dumping, Q-switching, mode locking, and chirped pulse amplification. The lecture delves into the Optical Kerr Effect, self-focusing, and self-phase modulation in non-linear optics, as well as post-compression techniques using chirped mirror compressors. The presentation concludes with a discussion on the Nobel Prize-winning contributions in physics and chemistry related to ultrafast lasers and non-linear optics.