Course Outline:
Lecture 1: Absorption and emission of light
In this lecture the basic definitions and concepts of classical spectroscopy such as thermal radiation, induced and spontaneous emission, radiation power and intensity, transition probabilities are introduced. Different causes of the broadenings of spectral lines that determine the limitation of spectral resolution are discussed.
Lecture 2: Spectroscopic instrumentation
This lecture is devoted to the discussion of instruments and techniques that are of fundamental importance for the measurements of wavelengths, line profiles and spectral intensities. The optimum selection of proper equipment is often decisive for the success of an experimental measurement. Several typical instruments such as monochromator, interferometers, photomultiplier are introduced.
Lecture 3: Lasers as spectroscopic light sources
In this lecture the basic properties of lasers as spectroscopic radiation sources are introduced. The lecture starts with a short recapitulation of the fundamentals of lasers, such as threshold conditions, optical resonators and laser modes. Different types of lasers such as continuous wave and tunable lasers are discussed, in which those laser properties and experimental techniques that make the lasers attractive spectroscopic light sources are underlined.
Lecture 4: Spectroscopy with Lasers
This lecture gives an overview of various applications of lasers in spectroscopy. Several representative laser-based spectroscopic techniques such as laser-induced fluorescence, ionization and Raman spectroscopy are introduced. Since impressive progress has been achieved in the development of ultrashort laser pulses in the femtosecond range in recent years, a special emphasis is given to the unique properties of femtosecond laser spectroscopy and related techniques.
Lecture 5: Application of laser spectroscopy
This lecture illustrates by some examples the broad spectrum of applications of laser spectroscopy in physics, chemistry, and environmental studies. A prospective is presented on the implications of laser spectroscopy technologies, and to demonstrate how much research and development is still needed.