Physics

GENERAL OBJECTIVES: Provide fundamental notions of: ultrashort pulses generation and propagation in linear and non-linear media, characterization of time and frequency, spatial and polarization profiles. Pinpoint selected examples of ultrafast processes in physics, chemistry and biology (molecular switches, photoreceptors isomerization, photoinduced processes in hemeproteins). Highlight novel approaches to non linear imaging and related instrumentation. Hands on laboratory tutorials. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: A - Knowledge and understanding OF 1) To know photonics foundations and its most common application OF 2) To understand non linear processes relevant for propagation of light pulses in materials OF 3) Understand principles of non-linear spectroscopy illustrated by Feynman diagrams B - Application skills OF 4) Learn how to apply equations for linear and non linear propagation to real cases such as short pulses in optical fibers. OF 5) Solve problems related to evaluation of cross sections for linear and non linear spectroscopies OF 6) To be able to apply numerical techniques for the evaluation of radiation – matter interaction C - Autonomy of judgment OF 7) To be able to apply in the future the acquired skills to complex problems in photochemistry and photobiology D - Communication skills OF 8) To know how to communicate the critical steps necessary to solve elementary problems dealing with spectroscopy and light matter interaction in non linear regime E - Ability to learn OF 10) Have the ability to autonomously consult scientific articles to expand the knowledge developed in the course