Light-matter interactions at extreme scales

Description

This course introduces how spectroscopy works at the atto- and femtosecond time scales, and demonstrates the detailed insights that these techniques provide into the quantum world of semiconductors, magnetic materials and photo-active molecules  

• Introduction: A short journey into the ultrafast universe

• Chapter 1: Femtosecond laser sources (Mode-locking and chirped pulse amplification)

• Chapter 2: Basics in non-linear optics à tuneable sources (Optical parametric amplification, High harmonic generation, attosecond pulses)

• Chapter 3: Techniques of femtosecond spectroscopy (Pump-probe absorption & reflection (UV/VIS/mid-IR), X-ray spectroscopy & electron microscopy)

• Chapter 4: Ultrafast Molecular Spectroscopy (Femtosecond Breaking and Making of Chemical Bonds, Ultrafast Photo-chemistry for Renewable Energies)

• Chapter 5: Ultrafast Phenomena: Semiconductors and quantum materials (Femtosecond Excitons, electrons and phonons)

• Chapter 6: Ultrafast Magnetisation Switching (Kerr and Faraday Spectroscopy, Spin Reversal & coupling with phonons)

• Chapter 7: Theory of ultrafast light-matter interactions (From linear response to time-resolved spectroscopy, Non-linear spectroscopy)

Compétences visées

•    Applying knowledge in physics

•    Apply methods from mathematics and digital technology

•    Produce a critical analysis, with hindsight and perspective

•    Research a physics topic using specialised resources

•    Communicate in writing and orally, including in English

•    Contribute to research work in physics

•    Respect ethical, professional and environmental principles in the practice of physics

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