MODULE TITLE

Nonlinear Optics and Imaging

 

CREDIT VALUE

15

MODULE CODE

PHY2037

MODULE CONVENER

Prof. J.J. Moger

 

 

DURATION

TERM

1

2

3

Number Students Taking Module (anticipated)

33

WEEKS

T2:01-11

 

DESCRIPTION – summary of the module content (100 words)

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 – intentions of the module

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) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

 On successful completion of this module you 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:

  1. interpret information from literature;
  2. demonstrate an understanding of how fundamental Physics can be applied to solve problems in different disciplines.

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

  1. ability to work in a multidisciplinary subject; in particular, the application of non-linear optics in a materials and life-sciences context;
  2. perform laser safety calculations.

SYLLABUS PLAN – summary of the structure and academic content of the module

  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 (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities  

22 hours

Guided independent study  

128 hours

Placement/study abroad

0 hours

 

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

 Category 

 Hours of study time 

 Description 

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

20 hours

20×1-hour lectures

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

2 hours

2×1-hour problems/revision classes

Guided independent study

30 hours

5×6-hour self-study packages

Guided independent study

16 hours

4×4-hour problems sets

Guided independent study

82 hours

Reading, private study and revision

 

ASSESSMENT

 

 FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

Form of Assessment

Size of the assessment e.g. duration/length

ILOs assessed

Feedback method

Guided self-study

5×6-hour packages

1-7

Discussion in class

4 × Problems sets

4 hours per set

1-11

Solutions discussed in problems classes.

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework

0%

Written exams

100%

Practical exams

0%

 

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment

 

% of credit

Size of the assessment e.g. duration/length

 ILOs assessed 

Feedback method

Final Examination

100%

120 minutes

1-11

Mark via MyExeter, collective feedback via ELE and solutions.

 DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment

 Form of re-assessment 

ILOs re-assessed

Time scale for re-assessment

Whole module

Written examination (100%)

1-11

August/September assessment period

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES  

See Physics Assessment Conventions.

 

RESOURCES

 

 INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES -  The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener.

Core text:

Supplementary texts:

ELE:

CREDIT VALUE

15

ECTS VALUE

7.5

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES

Waves and Optics (PHY1023), Mathematics for Physicists (PHY1026) and Electromagnetism I (PHY2021)

CO-REQUISITE MODULES

none

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ)

5

AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING

NO

ORIGIN DATE

18-Oct-21

LAST REVISION DATE

01-Mar-21

KEY WORDS SEARCH

Physics; Optics; Non-linear Optics; Imaging.

Module Descriptor Template Revised October 2011