Study information

Nonlinear Optics and Imaging - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLENonlinear Optics and Imaging CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEPHY2037 MODULE CONVENERProf Julian Moger (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 33
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
Nonlinear optics allows us to change the colour of light, manipulate its shape in space and time, and to create the shortest events ever made by humans. This module explores how light interacts with matter to create images, and the exciting nonlinear interactions that take place when light is squeezed into very short pulses.
 
You’ll get to see inside laser research laboratories for demonstrations of nonlinear optical imaging.
 
You’ll also learn the Physics that explains why gin & tonic fluoresces under UV light, and how to make cocktails that glow in the dark.

Pre-requisite modules: PHY1023, PHY1026, PHY2021 or equivalent modules.
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)
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 - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
I. Introduction and Historical Perspective
II. 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)
III. 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
IV. 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
V. 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)
VI. 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 Guided Independent Study 128 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 20 20×1-hour lectures
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 2 2×1-hour problems/revision classes
Guided independent study 20 Group work for group assignment
Guided independent study 16
4×4-hour problems sets
Guided independent study 92
Reading, private study and revision

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Guided self-study (0%) 5×6-hour packages (fortnightly) 1-7 Discussion in class
4 × Problems sets (0%) 4 hours per set (fortnightly) 1-11 Solutions discussed in problems classes.

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 30 Written Exams 70 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Examination 70 120 minutes 1-11 Written and verbal
Group assignment 30 5 minutes 1-11 Written and verbal

 

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 Referral/deferral period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
An original assessment that is based on both examination and coursework, tests, etc., is considered as a single element for the purpose of referral; i.e., the referred mark is based on the referred examination only, discounting all previous marks. In the event that the mark for a referred assessment is lower than that of the original assessment, the original higher mark will be retained.
 
Physics Modules with PHY Codes
Referred examinations will only be available in PHY3064, PHYM004 and those other modules for which the original assessment includes an examination component - this information is given in individual module descriptors.
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
ELE

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Boyd, R. W. Nonlinear Optics 3rd Academic Press 2008 978-0-080-48596-6
Extended Diels, J.C. and W. Rudolph Ultrashort Laser Pulse Phenomena 2nd edition Academic Press 2006 978-0-122-15493-5
Extended Hecht, E. Optics 5th Addison-Wesley 2017 978-0133977226
Extended Larkin, P. J. Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy: Principles and Spectral Interpretation 2nd Elsevier 2018 978-0-128-04209-0
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES PHY1023, PHY1026, PHY2021
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 5 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Monday 6th December 2021 LAST REVISION DATE Tuesday 14th May 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Physics; Optics; Non-linear Optics; Imaging.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.