Fundamentals of Attosecond Science and Technology (FAST)

ABOUT THE COURSE:The 2023 Nobel prize in Physics recognized the pioneers of attosecond physics. In the first course of its kind in India, we will present a unified Iearning and training module on the fundamentals of attosecond science and technology, or ULTRAFAST. In this course we will learn Unprecedented Temporal Resolution, Real-time Observation of Electron Dynamics, Controlling Matter at the Atomic and Molecular Level and applications to science and technology. This course will be a perfect platform to blend the fundamentals with the state of the art in attosecond science and technology.INTENDEN AUIDENCE:Advanced undergraduate, Masters’ and PhD students in physics, electrical engineering, photonics, optoelectronics and other related areas.PRE-REQUISITES:Basic knowledge of optics and electromagnetism. A knowledge of quantum mechanics will be an advantage but is not essential. Requisites will be covered in the course.INDUSTRY SUPPORT:This is mostly for advanced further academic studies and research.

Week 1 :Introduction to light pulses and electromagnetic wavesRecap of differential equations and Fourier transformsWeek 2 :Femtosecond laser pulse generation – methods and techniquesMetrology of femtosecond laser pulses – techniques and analysisWeek 3 :Femtosecond laser systems – design and implementationPrimer on nonlinear optics – second- and third-harmonic generation, phase-matchingWeek 4 :Generation of few-cycle optical pulses; Carrier-envelope phase, frequency and their measurement;Application of CEP phase metrology to light-field driven electronics;Week 5 :Interim review and discussionsBeyond perturbative nonlinear optics – multi-photon and tunnel-ionization;Week 6 :Theoretical basis of strong-field physics – basic concepts and application to high-harmonic generation;Electron wavepackets – basic concepts;Week 7 :High-order harmonic generation – genesis of attosecond pulse generation;Metrology of attosecond pulse trains – RABBITT technique;Week 8 :Theoretical treatment of RABBITT techniqueGeneration of isolated Attosecond pulses;Week 9 :Streaking and metrology of isolated attosecond pulses;Application of streaking to chronoscopy - Time-delays in photoionization;Week 10 :Coherent dynamics on the attosecond timescale – Fano and Lorentz lineshape and their control;High-harmonic generation in solids – metrology and spectroscopy;Week 11 :Future directions – zeptosecond physics, free-electron lasers and attosecond electron pulses.Week 12 :Term paper and seminar presentationsTerm paper and seminar presentations