18-719 Nonlinear Optics and Photonics

12 units, Carnegie Mellon University

Nonlinear optics plays an indispensable role in modern photonics and is the driving force behind many important applications. Examples include frequency mixing in the classical domain and entangled photon sources in the quantum domain. This course aims to provide a practical yet broad coverage on nonlinear optics, focusing both on the theoretical and experimental aspects of this subject. For example, by introducing nonlinear susceptibility to classical EM wave equations based on the coupled mode theory, we will study two key concepts of nonlinear optics: phase matching and energy conservation, in the context of various second- or third-order nonlinear processes. In addition, we will cover the basics of quantum optics relevant to this course, which will help prepare students for future research work in the quantum area. Quantum applications such as spontaneous parametric down-conversion and quantum frequency conversion will be discussed.

Prerequisites: 18-300 (min B)

Offered: Fall 2025

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