Course detail

Nonlinear Optics

FSI-TNEAcad. year: 2025/2026

The course gives an introduction to nonlinear optics – the branch of optics that studies the interaction of intense laser light with matter. The lectures focus mainly on classical topics (e.g., second-harmonic generation, optical parametric oscillation, third-order nonlinear processes, optical solitons, Raman and Brillouin scattering) with strong emphasis on the fundamental aspects. Also, the course briefly introduces basic approaches for describing light-matter interaction. Finally, a brief discussion of the nonlinear optical phenomena from a quantum perspective is provided.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

2

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

prof. RNDr. Jiří Petráček, Dr.

Department

Institute of Physical Engineering (ÚFI)

Entry knowledge

Knowledge of mathematics, general physics and optics at the level of basic undergraduate courses.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Course-unit credit conditions: the solution of one homework problem and passing the final written exam.

 

Aims

Course objectives: A basic overview of nonlinear optics with strong emphasis on the underlying principles. Understanding of the coupled-wave formalism for description of the nonlinear optical interactions and knowledge of the most important applications.

 

Competences: Students should be able to understand scientific papers on the field of nonlinear optics and continue to perform their own research.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

E. Powers, J. W. Haus: Fundamentals of Nonlinear Optics, 2nd Edition, CRC Press, 2017.
R.W. Boyd: Nonlinear Optics, 4th Edition, Academic Press, 2020. (EN)

Recommended reading

R.W. Boyd: Nonlinear Optics, 4th Edition, Academic Press, 2020. (EN)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme N-FIN-P Master's 2 year of study, winter semester, elective
  • Programme N-PMO-P Master's 2 year of study, winter semester, elective

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. RNDr. Jiří Petráček, Dr.

Syllabus

  1. Electric field and polarization
  2. Wave-equation description of nonlinear optical interactions
  3. Second-order nonlinear processes
  4. The intensity-dependent refractive index
  5. Four-wave mixing
  6. Propagation of light pulses, self-phase modulation
  7. Optical solitons
  8. Atom-photon interactions
  9. Raman and Brillouin scattering
  10. Quantum nonlinear optics