SPIE - Education Introduction to Ultrafast Optics SC746

Ultrafast Optics-the science, technology, and applications of ultrashort laser pulses-is one of the most exciting and dynamic fields of science. While ultrashort laser pulses seem quite exotic (they're the shortest events ever created!), their applications are many, ranging from the study of ultrafast fundamental events to telecommunications to micro-machining to biomedical imaging, to name a few. Interestingly, these lasers are easy to understand, and they are readily available. But their use requires some sophistication. This course is a basic introduction to the nature of these lasers, their use, and some of their applications.