Description

Nonlinear optics provides access to light-matter interactions that are not accessible with conventional (linear) optical imaging techniques and can give novel information regarding the microscopic structure and chemical composition of a wide range of materials. This module will introduce the fundamental principles of non-linear optics (NLO) and explain how it can be applied to reveal novel information regarding material structure and function. Examples from recent research publications will be used to highlight how NLO is making a significant contribution towards advancing our understanding in key materials and life-science research challenges.

Module Aims

Nonlinear optical imaging has emerged as a powerful tool offering significant advantages over conventional optical methods. This module aims to give students an introduction into the fundamental Physics underpinning these techniques, an overview of the instrumentation used, and their application in modern research applications.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

A student who has passed this module should be able to:

• Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  1. discuss the role of imaging and spectroscopy in the context of materials and life-sciences research;
  2. explain how light-matter interactions can be exploited to obtain both structural and functional information of a sample;
  3. discuss the shortcomings of conventional (linear) optical imaging methods and how nonlinear excitation can overcome some of these limitations;
  4. demonstrate an understanding of the NLO processes that can be used to generate image contrast;
  5. apply core Physics knowledge to explain, and solve quantitative problems related to both linear and nonlinear light-matter interactions;
  6. demonstrate an understanding of the instrumentation used for nonlinear optical imaging and apply core Physics knowledge to solve quantitative problems related to the excitation and detection of NLO schemes;
  7. demonstrate an understanding of the hazards associated high-powered lasers and be able perform laser safety calculations.
• Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  8. interpret information from literature;
  9. demonstrate an understanding of how fundamental Physics can be applied to solve problems in different disciplines.
• Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
  10. ability to work in a multidisciplinary subject; in particular, the application of non-linear optics in a materials and life-sciences context;
  11. perform laser safety calculations.

Syllabus Plan

1. Introduction and Historical Perspective
2. Overview of Conventional (Linear) Optical Imaging
   1. Microscopy and spectroscopy in materials and life-sciences
   2. Optical contrast (phase, absorption, fluorescence)
   3. Vibrational spectroscopy (IR and Raman)
   4. Confocal detection
   5. Performance (depth penetration, photodamage, speed trade-off, photobleaching, staining, spatial resolution)
3. Fundamentals of Non-Linear Optical Processes
   1. Revision of light-matter interactions
   2. Non-linear optical interactions (non-linear susceptibility)
   3. Second-order processes
   4. Third-order processes
4. Instrumentation for NLO imaging and spectroscopy
   1. Properties of ultrafast laser pulses and requirements for NLO
   2. Oscillators and amplifiers
   3. Frequency conversion
   4. Fibre-Sources
   5. Practical considerations for use of ultrafast lasers (pulse shapes, autocorrelations, dispersion, laser safety)
   6. Microscope and spectrometer design
5. Non-Linear Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy
   1. Multi-photon fluorescence
   2. Harmonic Generation (SHG and THG)
   3. Coherent anti-Stoke Raman Scattering (CARS and SRS)
   4. Other techniques – Sum Frequency Generation (SFG) and transient absorption
   5. Multi-modal imaging
   6. Performance (depth penetration, photodamage, speed trade-off, photobleaching, staining, spatial resolution)
6. Applications and Future Perspectives
   1. Biological applications
   2. Clinical applications
   3. Materials and chemical applications

Learning and Teaching

Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Assessment

Resources

The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that students are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Instructor(s).

Core text:

• Boyd R.W. (2008), Nonlinear Optics (3^rd edition), Academic Press, ISBN 978-0-080-48596-6

Supplementary texts:

• Diels J.C. and Rudolph W. (2006), Ultrashort Laser Pulse Phenomena (2^nd edition), Academic Press, ISBN 978-0-122-15493-5
• Hecht E. (2017), Optics (5^th edition), Addison-Wesley, ISBN 978-0133977226
• Larkin P.J. (2018), Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy: Principles and Spectral Interpretation (2^nd edition), Elsevier, ISBN 978-0-128-04209-0

ELE:

• http://newton.ex.ac.uk/redirects/ELE/phy2037

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Re-assessment

Re-assessment is not available except when required by referral or deferral.

Notes: See Physics Assessment Conventions.

KIS Data Summary

Miscellaneous