Free Laser Physics Course | Learn Lasers from BARC Scientists | HBNI
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 448 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Physics |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 18 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
An Introduction to Lasers and Laser Systems: A Free 12-Week Course by BARC Experts
Since its invention in 1960, the laser has revolutionized science, medicine, manufacturing, and telecommunications. To demystify this transformative technology, the Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI) is offering a comprehensive, free online course: "An Introduction to Lasers and Laser Systems." Designed for a wide audience, this 12-week lecture series is taught by eminent scientists from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), making cutting-edge knowledge accessible to all.
About the Course Instructors: Learn from Pioneering Scientists
This course boasts an exceptional faculty with decades of hands-on research and teaching experience in laser physics and technology.
Prof. Dhruba J. Biswas
Prof. Dhruba J. Biswas joined BARC's laser program in 1979 after his M.Sc. from IIT Kharagpur. He earned his Ph.D. from Heriot-Watt University, UK. His prolific career spans laser physics, optical chaos, laser isotope separation, and non-linear optics. With over 125 peer-reviewed publications and numerous prestigious awards—including the INSA Young Scientist Award and the Homi Bhabha Science & Technology Award—his work is noted for its novelty, cost-effectiveness, and deep physical insight. He has taught 'Laser Physics & Technology' at the BARC Training School for nearly twenty years.
Prof. J. Padma Nilaya
Prof. J. Padma Nilaya, a gifted experimentalist, joined BARC in 1992. Her groundbreaking work includes achieving switchless operation of transversely excited lasers, operating atmospheric pressure CO2 lasers without helium, and pioneering laser cleaning of nuclear fuel elements. She has co-authored about 80 research publications and now leads a group developing strategic coherent sources and advancing laser isotope separation.
Course Overview: What You Will Learn
This 30-lecture course is structured to build your understanding from the ground up, focusing on intuitive explanations rather than complex mathematics.
Course Duration: 12 Weeks
Level: Undergraduate/Postgraduate
Prerequisites: High School Physics. The course is self-contained, introducing all necessary concepts.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1 & 2 | General Introduction: Laser at a Glance, Spontaneous & Stimulated Emission, Population Inversion, Laser Cavity, History of Laser Invention. |
| Week 3 | CW and Pulsed Lasers: Continuous vs. Pulsed Operation, Optical and Electrical Pumping, Operating Efficiencies. |
| Weeks 4 & 5 | Different Types of Lasers: Gas, Liquid (Dye), Solid-State (Nd-YAG, Ti:Sapphire), and their pumping methods. |
| Week 6 | Molecular Gas Lasers: Basics of Molecular Spectroscopy, Vibration-Rotation Spectra. |
| Weeks 7 & 8 | Carbon Dioxide Lasers: In-depth study of low & high pressure CO2 lasers, tunable and SLM (Single Longitudinal Mode) operation. |
| Weeks 9 & 10 | Semiconductor Lasers: Basics of semiconductor physics, LEDs, Diode Lasers, Quantum Well and Cascade Lasers. |
| Weeks 11 & 12 | Advanced Lasers: Excimer, Free Electron, Chemical (HF, COIL), Fiber Lasers & Amplifiers, Gas Dynamic Lasers. |
Who Should Enroll?
Intended Audience:
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate students in Physics and Engineering.
- Research scholars who use lasers in their work.
- Professionals in industries, hospitals, and defence organizations seeking to understand laser technology.
Industry Support: The course is highly relevant for sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, scientific R&D, telecommunications, and defence, where laser applications are pervasive.
Key Learning Outcomes
- Gain a solid, intuitive understanding of what a laser is and how it works.
- Learn the principles behind different types of lasers (solid-state, gas, semiconductor, etc.).
- Understand the unique properties of laser light and its applications.
- Develop the foundational knowledge to solve problems and engage with advanced laser systems.
Recommended Textbooks & Resources
To complement the lectures, instructors recommend several authoritative texts, including Prof. Biswas's own recent book:
- Concepts of Modern Physics by Arthur Beiser
- Lasers-Fundamental and Applications by K Thyagarajan and Ajoy Ghatak
- Understanding Lasers by Jeff Hecht
- Laser Fundamentals by William T. Silfvast
- A Beginner’s Guide to Lasers and Their Applications, Part 1 by Dhruba J. Biswas (Springer Nature, 2023)
This course is a rare opportunity to learn laser science from scientists who have shaped the field in India. Whether you are a student building your foundation, a researcher looking to deepen your knowledge, or a professional curious about laser technology, this course offers invaluable insights from true experts.
Enroll today and unlock the fascinating world of lasers!
Enroll Now →