Sample interview questions: Can you explain the concept of stimulated Brillouin scattering and its impact on laser physics?
Sample answer:
Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS)
SBS is a nonlinear optical process that occurs when an intense laser beam interacts with a material. It involves the scattering of an incident laser beam by acoustic waves in the medium, resulting in the generation of a backscattered beam with a frequency shifted lower than the incident beam.
Impact on Laser Physics:
SBS has a significant impact on laser physics due to its ability to limit the power and efficiency of high-power lasers. It can lead to:
- Power limitations: The backscattered beam can compete with the laser beam for gain, resulting in reduced laser power output.
- Energy depletion: The energy transferred to the acoustic waves reduces the energy available for laser amplification.
- Beam quality degradation: Scattering can introduce distortions and aberrations into the laser beam, affecting its propagation and focusability.
Mitigation Techniques:
To mitigate the effects of SBS, laser physicists employ various techniques, including:
- Reducing beam intensity: Lowering the … Read full answer