Electromagnetic Waves and Laser Amplification

This lecture covers the amplification process of light in lasers, starting with the atomic structure and gas molecules inside the tube. It then delves into J. Clerk Maxwell's equations unifying electricity and magnetism, explaining differential and integral forms. The Helmholtz wave equation for electromagnetic waves in free space is discussed, along with basic relations, the electron oscillator model, and the influence of oscillating electron dipoles on wave propagation. The absorption coefficient and refractive index in complex wave vector relations are explored, as well as anomalous dispersion curves in glasses. Real-world examples of refractive indices in different materials are presented.