Engineering Physics

LASERs & Optical Fiber

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Unit V: LASER and Fibre Optics. This unit presents the fundamental principles of LASER operation, electronic transitions, population inversion, LASER systems and common LASER types. It also covers optical fibres, their classification, propagation mechanism and the basis of fibre optic communication.

Electronic Transitions and Basic Principle of LASER

  • LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
  • Electronic transitions occur when electrons move between discrete energy levels, absorbing or releasing photons of specific energy.
  • Stimulated emission is the key mechanism that produces coherent and monochromatic radiation.
  • A LASER system requires an active medium, external energy source and an optical resonator.

Diagram to paste: laser-transition.png

Population Inversion and Properties of LASER

  • Population inversion occurs when the number of atoms in an excited state exceeds the number in the ground state. This condition is required for sustained stimulated emission.
  • Properties of LASER light include high coherence, monochromaticity, low divergence and high intensity.
  • Achieved through continuous pumping and optical feedback.

Diagram to paste: population-inversion.png

Components of LASER System and Lasing Action

  • Active medium provides atoms or molecules for stimulated emission.
  • Pumping source supplies external energy (optical, electrical or chemical).
  • Optical resonator consists of mirrors that provide amplification by feedback.
  • Lasing action occurs when stimulated emission dominates over losses, producing a stable coherent beam.

Diagram to paste: lasing-action.png

Ruby LASER

  • Solid state LASER using chromium doped ruby (Al₂O₃:Cr³⁺) as the active medium.
  • Three level LASER pumped by flash lamps.
  • Produces a red beam of wavelength 694.3 nm.
  • Used in holography, alignment, surgery and ranging.

Diagram to paste: ruby-laser.png

He Ne Gas LASER

  • Uses a mixture of helium and neon gases in a discharge tube.
  • Helium atoms transfer energy to neon atoms producing population inversion.
  • Produces a stable output at 632.8 nm.
  • Used in laboratory demonstrations, optical alignment and barcode scanners.

Diagram to paste: he-ne-laser.png

Structure of Optical Fibre and Principle of Propagation

  • Optical fibre consists of a core, cladding and protective coating.
  • Light propagates through the core by total internal reflection at the core cladding interface.
  • Requires core refractive index to be greater than cladding refractive index.

Diagram to paste: fiber-structure.png

Classification of Optical Fibres and Numerical Aperture

  • Step index fibres and graded index fibres.
  • Single mode and multimode fibres depending on core diameter and propagation.
  • Numerical apertureNA = √(n₁² - n₂²)determines light gathering capability.

Diagram to paste: fiber-classification.png

Fibre Optic Communication Link

  • Consists of transmitter, optical fibre channel and receiver.
  • Provides high bandwidth, immunity to electromagnetic interference and low loss.
  • Disadvantages include alignment difficulty, connector loss and high installation cost.

Diagram to paste: fiber-communication.png

This unit explains the physics behind LASER systems and the operation of optical fibres used in modern communication networks. If you want a quick revision page, ask for the Unit V cheat sheet.

Semiconductors & Superconductivity