Lasers in Science and Engineering

Course content

Participation in this course will give students a basic background on how lasers work, how they interact with matter, and how they can be used in science and engineering. Upon successful completion, students will be able to identify which laser is most appropriate to use based on the requirements of the application and how to use it properly and safely for microfabrication and material/device/specimen characterization.

Lecture:

• Introductory concepts regarding lasers: brief history of the laser; light-matter interactions; basic theoretical background; operating principles; laser types (focus on lasers relevant to microfabrication)
• Laser applications in microtechnology: Laser-based microfabrication (micromachining, patterning, ablation, deposition); Laser-based materials (e.g. semicronductors) /device (e.g. microfluidics) /specimen (e.g. particles/cells) characterization

Exercise:

• Basics of laser safety (laser classification, damage to the skin and eyes, proper protection)
• Introduction to scientific literature and novel applications of laser material procerssing
• Practical demonstration of laser-based processes available at IMT, PVZ, and LENA