58勛圖

PH5005 Laser Physics and Design

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Normally only taken in the final year of an MPhys/MSci programme or first year of CDT in Applied Photonics

Module description

Quantitative treatment of laser physics including rate equations; transient/dynamic behaviour of laser oscillators including relaxation oscillations, Q-switching, cavity dumping and mode locking, single-frequency selection and frequency scanning, design analysis of optically-pumped solid state lasers, laser amplifiers and optical resonators. An emphasis is placed on how understanding of laser physics can be used to design useful laser systems.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS PH3007 AND PASS PH3061 AND PASS PH3062.

Anti-requisites

YOU MAY NOT TAKE THIS MODULE IF YOU HAVE TAKEN OR ARE TAKING PH4034.

Assessment pattern

2.5-hour open-notes Written Examination = 80%, Coursework = 20%

Re-assessment

Oral Re-assessment, capped at grade 7

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

3 lectures or tutorials

Scheduled learning hours

30

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

120

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Have a conceptual understanding of the classical approach to laser physics.
  • Have an ability through a thorough grounding in the rate equation approaches to analyse quantitatively the steady-state and dynamical performance of important contemporary laser devices.
  • Have an ability to analyse quantitatively and to design lasers.
  • Have a conceptual understanding of important aspects of laser active media.
  • Have a thorough grounding in the principles and design of laser resonators, particularly geometrically stable cavities.
  • Have access to and familiarity with numerical modelling tools (including 'Psst') relating to aspects of laser design and performance.

Additional information from school

For guidance on AS and PH modules please consult the School Handbook at /physics-astronomy/students/ug/timetables-handbooks/