98683 - Lasers

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has acquired the basic principles of laser operation, knowledge of their optical properties and the chemical applications of the main commercially available laser sources.

Course contents

Principles of laser operation

• Stimulated emission
• Inversion of energy levels population
• Pumping processes
• Optical resonators
• The threshold condition in a real laser
• Continuous wave lasers
• Pulsed lasers
  
• Properties of laser's light
• Multi-mode and single-mode laser emission

Applications of laser light

• Uses of laser's light
• Raman spectroscopy

Commercially available lasers

The different types of laser sources and the physical or chemical phenomena which make them work.

• Atomic electronic emissions: He-Ne, Ar+ , and Nd3+ lasers
• Molecular vibronic: N2, excimer, and dye lasers
• Molecular rovibrational: CO2 and HF lasers
• Transition metals doped crystals: ruby and Ti:sapphire lasers
• Diode lasers

Instrumental techniques

• Non-linear optics for harmonics generation
• The creation of ultra short pulses
  - Q-switching
  - Mode-locking
  - Chirped pulse amplification

Laboratory laser-based experiments

• Photophysical characterization of ruby, a lasing material.
• Laser-induced fluorescence of gaseous molecular iodine
  
• Vibrational Raman spectroscopy of liquid and solid samples.
  
• Disentanglement of spectral properties of vegetable oils.

Quantum chemistry laboratory

• Calculation of the vibrational normal modes of simple molecules and simulation of the IR and Raman spectra.

Anonymous statistical survey

Once 2/3 of the lessons have been completed, a survey will be carried out to know students' opinions on the course, in order to make it more effective. Reference links:

• https://opinionistudenti.unibo.it
  
• https://val.unibo.it/ (student)
• https://val.unibo.it/demo.php (survey)
• https://gestioneval.unibo.it (lecturer)

Additionally, please include your personal reflections on the following points:

• Which topics did you find less engaging or relevant?
• Which aspects do you feel deserve deeper exploration?
• Were there any points that seemed unclear or required further explanation?
• What was the most valuable insight or takeaway for you?
• Do you believe any additional content should be included in the course?

Readings/Bibliography

The material distributed by the instructor through the official teaching materials platform Insegnamenti OnLine is required reading for exam preparation.

To further explore the course content, the following useful links are suggested:

• David L. Andrews
  Lasers in Chemistry
  Springer, 3rd edition

• Orazio Svelto
  Principles of Lasers
  Plenum Press, 4th edition

• Donald A. McQuarrie & John D. Simon
  Physical Chemistry: A Molecular Approach
  University Science Book
  - Chapter 15: Lasers, Laser Spectroscopy, and Photochemistry
  - Chapter 12: Group Theory: The Exploitation of Symmetry

 

Teaching methods

Projector for transparencies and slides in the classroom.

Laser instrumentation available in the laboratory for Laser-based experiments.

• Vacuum line + Thermostat + Spectrometer Ocean-HR + DPSS laser (green 532 nm)
  LIF I2
• Spectrometer Ocean USB4000 + DPSS and diode lasers (red, 671 nm)
  Spectral features of vegetable oils
  
• Spectrophotometer + Spectrofluorometer
  Photophysical characterization of Ruby
  
• Raman spectrometer Ventana 532 nm + DPSS laser (green)
  Raman Stokes spectroscopy of liquid and solid materials
  
• Spectrofluorometer + DPSS laser (blue 473 nm)
  Raman Stokes and anti-Stokes spectroscopy of liquids

Given the types of activities and teaching methods used, participation in this course requires all students to complete Modules 1 and 2 in e-learning mode via the following link:

https://www.unibo.it/en/services-and-opportunities/health-and-assistance/health-and-safety/online-course-on-health-and-safety-in-study-and-internship-areas

Additionally, students must attend Module 3, which provides specific training on health and safety in study environments, either in class or on Microsoft Teams according to the modality chosen by the teacher.

Information about Module 3 attendance schedule is available on the website of your degree programme.

Assessment methods

The assessment is aimed at verifying the acquisition of both the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills expected. The final grade reflects an evaluation of the content demonstrated during the exam.

The assessment for the LASERS module is a single oral exam at the end of the semester.

The use of artificial intelligence tools is permitted for generating content that will be subject to critical discussion and evaluation during the examination.

The student has to report on three topics of the educational program, including:

• principle and properties of lasers
• laser sources
• laboratory activity (the reports can be used during the examination)
  

The duration of the exam is approximately 30 minutes.

The exam can be passed with a minimum score of 18/30.

The grade for the entire APPLIED PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY integrate course is calculated as the average of the grades obtained in the two modules (if both are at least 18/30).

As a guideline, the following evaluation criteria are provided:

• Failing

  • Incomplete knowledge of the subject
  • Lack of orientation within the topics
  • Inappropriate language

• Passing

  • Minimal knowledge of the subject
  • Analytical ability emerges only with the instructor’s help
  • Barely appropriate language

• Adequate

  • Good memorized knowledge of the subject
  • Fair argumentative ability
  • Correct language

• Excellent

  • Clear understanding and mastery of the subject
  • Excellent ability to elaborate and argue
  • Specific and appropriate language

 

Students who require compensatory tools due to temporary or permanent disabilities, or specific learning disorders (SLD) may contact the appropriate University office well in advance:

• https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en

The office will be responsible for proposing any necessary adjustments, which must be submitted at least 15 days before the exam date for the lecturer's approval. The lecturer will assess their appropriateness in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

 

Teaching tools

Lessons in the classroom for the theory (4 CFU) using blackboard and video projector.

Numerical exercises in the classroom or in the laboratory (1 CFU).

Laboratory activities (1 CFU) where lasers-based experiments are performed.

Sustainable Development Goals

Quality Education (4) The course provides advanced knowledge in laser physics, spectroscopy, photochemistry, and optical instrumentation. Through theoretical lessons, computational activities, and laboratory experiments, students develop analytical, experimental, and critical-thinking skills relevant to scientific and technological applications.

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (9) Laser technologies and spectroscopic techniques are key enabling technologies for scientific research, advanced manufacturing, materials characterization, sensing, and photonics. The course equips students with competencies that support innovation in high-technology sectors and research infrastructures.

Responsible Consumption and Production (12) Spectroscopic methods such as Raman spectroscopy, laser-induced fluorescence, and materials characterization enable non-destructive analysis, quality control, and process optimization. These techniques support the development of more efficient production processes and more sustainable use of resources.

Office hours

See the website of Assimo Maris