Optics continues to play a central role in answering the most profound scientific questions of our time. Optical technology lies at the heart of many of the world's most powerful scientific instruments, enabling measurements of micron scale structures at one end and general relativity with a global network of gravitational wave detectors at the other. Key to these applications is generation and tuning of precise sources of light. This course includes fundamentals of laser, including semiconductor lasers, quantum confined structures, atom-light interactions, nonlinear optics and quantum sources. Expert guest lecturers will describe the application of these techniques to fields such as astronomy, gravitational wave detection and nanophotonics. The course will also provide critical experimental skills with optical instrumentation needed for many areas of research.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Comprehend and articulate the fundamentals and functioning of a laser.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the use of lasers in laboratory work
- Understand the nature of atom-light interactions and how they can be applied.
- Comprehend the principles of nonlinear optics and photonics phenomena and their influence on contemporary advanced technological systems.
- Communicate experimental observations and theoretical analyses clearly and concisely.
Other Information
Assessment item #3 (2 x laboratory reports) is a hurdle as it is the only assessment item linked to learning outcomes 2 and 5. Students must pass at least one of the reports with a mark of 50% to pass the course.
Indicative Assessment
- Examination (30) [LO 1,3,4]
- 3 x Assignments (30) [LO 1,3,4]
- 2 x Laboratory reports (hurdle requirement) (30) [LO 1,2,4,5]
- Presentation (10) [LO 1,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 3 x 1 hour lectures per week, plus 1 x 3 hour practical per week commencing week 2
- Approximately 61 hours of self-directed study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Saleh & Teich, Fundamentals of Photonics (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2001) or later editions.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $5040 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $7200 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4159 | 22 Feb 2027 | 01 Mar 2027 | 31 Mar 2027 | 28 May 2027 | In Person | N/A |