1. Introduction to Experimental Techniques in Optics Motivation: Optics is becoming increasingly important in many application areas such as communication/computing and chemical/biological diagnostics. For most of these applications, the basic hardware and experimental techniques are similar. Overview: This course will provide a hands-on introduction to these techniques. Lab skills are the main focus. Lectures will supplement. Specific details: Start from scratch -- Build opto-electronic servo systems – laser intensity stabilization – wavelength filter -- active control Break complex tasks into a series of simpler ones

2. Sample of material covered Experimental techniques and capabilities Optics & mechanics –Optics handling –Mount assembly –Machining skills ?? – Cannot always buy what is needed Optoelectronics –Electronics skills – soldering, prototype boards –Circuit design – servos ?? – High sensitivity of optics often requires control –Interfaces – detectors, transducers Lab proficiency demonstrations Lab book – important in real world –Neatness not critical – will not count against –Completeness important

3. First pieces to make Mirror mount post -- round Lens mount post =-- square

4. Interferometers Beamsplitter Mirror Inputs Outputs Beamsplitter Mirror Input Outputs Mirror Beamsplitter Mirror Input Mirror Outputs Sanac -- Laser gyros for aircraft navigation Michaelson -- FTIR spectrometers Mach-Zender -- Modulators for fiber communications Beamsplitter Mirror Input Output Beamsplitter Fabry-Perot -- Lasers and wavelength (ring version shown)

5. Entire servo Labels in bold are for connections or adjustments on the outside of the box 50K Diff amp balance > 50K 50K DC reference 100K +15V - 15V Signal in Reference in 100K Diff amp gain 100K Diff amp output DC ref switch 1 M 100  Lead 100K 10 M Integrator drift compensation 100K 10 turns +15V - 15V Integrator output 100  Lock/unlock switch Rotary switch 0.1  F 10,000 pF 1,000 pF 100 pF 10 pF 20K DC input 100K +15V - 15V Servo output 20K Modulation input 1 M Scan input 1 M 150 

6. Servo box Put special-purpose electronics into fieldable box Often done in R&D environment

7. Lab proficiency demos Assemble mounts from “spare” parts –basic machine shop skills –optics cleaning techniques Basic electronics –soldering techniques –construct and balance differential amplifier –construct and null integrator Construct interferometers –construct 4 types of interferometers –white light interferometer Construct and align opto-electronic system –photodiodes, PZTs, HV drivers Stabilize laser intensity using simple servo –acousto-optic shifters, VCOs Lock optical spectrum analyzer (Fabry-Perot) to laser –lock-in amplifiers and ac servos, etc. Construct servo box –design and packaging of special-purpose electronics

8. Lab books Some are smart enough to make anything work on the first try The rest of us have to be organized Lab book is key to organization Complex experiments: –1 day to take data –1 day to analyze and update lab book What goes in a lab book -- everything you need to reproduce results Crude diagrams of experiment, circuit schematics, etc Pin-outs and data sheets for opto-electronic components Raw data -- –ex: as read off voltmeter or scope –copy of data traces (chart recorder trace, scope photo, computer image file) Processed data -- after computer fits, smoothing, etc Equations and relevant theory Narrative in your own words -- what was done, why, and what were results Real world -- lab books can settle patent disputes, etc

9. Lab book sample -- Laser intensity servo Similar to upcoming proficiency demo Crude circuit diagrams Note -- Pasted in sheets okay Optical setup Circuit schematic

10. Effect of intensity servo on experiment Attempt to reach shot noise in atomic clock experiment Noise measurement Compare to shot noise theory

11. Lecture topics Basic experimental techniques including keeping a laboratory book and handling of optical components Optical mechanics and component mounting techniques Passive optical components such as mirrors, lenses, and polarizers Lasers – properties and operation Coherence and interference effects Basic electronics including op amps Optical detectors and data collection Active optical elements such as acousto-optics Servos and transducers Laser intensity stabilization Lock-in amplifiers and ac servo techniques Technical presentation skills

12. Possible supplemental topics Spectroscopy, FTIR Liquid crystal displays, optical memories & correlators Microscopy, confocal and fluorescence Photon counting and correlation Fiber optic techniques

13. Prerequisites & references Prerequisites: None Include both beginning and advanced students Disadvantage – Advanced students bored?, Beginning students overwhelmed? Solution Advanced students: Move at own pace -- proficiency exams Beginning students: Extended lecture time or special lectures – questions and answers

14. References References: Optics by Eugene Hecht, Addison Wesley Pub. Co. In print more than 20 years Reads like series of complete lectures Frees up more class time for lab work Supplemental handouts/ web addresses Example: Manufacturer’s application notes –http://www.newport.com/store/default.asp?lone=Optics&ltwo=Technical+ Reference&lang=1http://www.newport.com/store/default.asp?lone=Optics&ltwo=Technical+ Reference&lang=1 –http://www.cvilaser.com/Catalog.asp?filename=/bil-productindex- 1221.asphttp://www.cvilaser.com/Catalog.asp?filename=/bil-productindex- 1221.asp –http://www.mellesgriot.com/resourcelibrary/technicalnotes/default.asphttp://www.mellesgriot.com/resourcelibrary/technicalnotes/default.asp –http://www.newfocus.com/support/support_freelit.cfmhttp://www.newfocus.com/support/support_freelit.cfm

15. Grading Grading will be “bottom-line” oriented – Prepare to succeed in future job Did you learn the material or not. Tests: 20% –Written – scheduled, based on lecture material Final exam: 20% –Optional – Can use test average as final exam grade Laboratory proficiency exams: 20% –Demonstrations of experimental proficiency – when ready Laboratory notebooks: 20% –Completeness first. –Neatness only in summaries. Nothing deducted for messiness elsewhere. –Will also be allowed during quizzes and proficiency demos Presentations: 20% –Present after completing core proficiency demons –Fellow students will also rate – Contributes to your grade –Presentations can have “dry runs” – not count toward grade

16. Course meeting times Lectures: MW 10:20 -- 11:10 am Lab: F 10:20 am -- 1:10 pm, supplemental times ? Problem: Limited space and equipment Solution: Split into two groups Homework: Everyone will have lab access Lab books: Will supply