ANNOTATION
A laser is not just a tool – it is a system where every parameter matters. This course guides you through the fundamental principles of laser operation, key components, and practical applications across industry, medicine, and research.
You will gain a solid foundation in laser physics, understand the differences between various laser types, and learn how to navigate parameters that significantly influence laser performance and suitability for specific applications.
The course combines essential theory with practical context and includes a visit to a laser laboratory, where key principles are demonstrated in real operation.
COURSE DETAILS
This course focuses on understanding the core principles of laser technologies – from the physical fundamentals of laser radiation generation to their practical use in various fields.
Participants will become familiar with the structure of laser systems, their key components, and the parameters that affect performance, stability, and applicability. Emphasis is placed on clear and accurate explanations without oversimplification that could lead to misinterpretation in practice.
The course also provides an overview of the most commonly used laser types and their applications in industrial, medical, and research environments.
Theoretical sessions are complemented by practical demonstrations and a visit to a laser laboratory.
What you will learn:
- understand the principles of laser radiation generation
- navigate basic types of lasers and their characteristics
- distinguish key laser parameters and their impact on applications
- understand the function of individual laser system components
- grasp fundamental optical phenomena related to beam propagation
- gain an overview of practical laser applications across different fields
COURSE OUTLINE
Introduction to lasers and their development
- history of lasers
- basic classification of lasers
- principle of laser operation
Laser physics
- light as electromagnetic radiation
- active medium and pumping (excitation)
- population inversion
- spontaneous and stimulated emission
- resonator and oscillator
Laser radiation parameters
- wavelength, frequency, polarization
- pulsed vs continuous operation
- power, energy, pulse duration
- beam distribution
Basic optics in laser systems
- reflection and refraction
- telescope and image plane
Laser system components
- cooling
- detectors and radiation measurement
- polarizers and optical filters
- Pockels cell
Types of lasers and their applications
- CO₂ lasers
- Nd:YAG lasers
- He-Ne lasers
- fiber lasers
- semiconductor and diode lasers
- basic applications in industry, medicine, and research
Visit to the laser laboratory
- demonstration of real laser systems
