Entry requirements

130 credits in engineering/natural science, including Optical materials. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

After passing the course, the student should be able to:

• evaluate and analyze the principles behind coatings that can control the optical properties of materials, and evaluate and analyze how these can be applied in environmental and energy applications, e.g. in energy-efficient windows, light traps, solar absorbers, as well as air and water purification,
• evaluate and analyze the principle behind catalytic coatings and be able to discuss and analyze their application in energy and environmental applications,
• evaluate and analyze the principle behind hydrophilic and hydrophobic coatings and be able to discuss and analyze their application in energy and environmental applications,
• evaluate and analyze the principle behind solar cells and light sources based on thin film semiconductors, as well as discuss and analyze the physical properties of these and evaluate their applicability,
• evaluate and analyze how tribolic coatings work, and discuss how these contribute to energy saving a life cycle perspective,
• independently carry out a project within a selected sub-area of the course, which should include experiments, theory and / or literature search, as well as analysis and discussion of results obtained,
• Evaluate and discuss project results in a written report arranged as a scientific article orally present project work in the subject at a workshop.

Content

The course consists of a theoretical part, and an in-depth part where the student will immerse themselves in a project. The project will be done individually, or in a group where the individual student's contribution must be reported.

Theory:

Thin film technology, materials optics and plasmonics. Heterogeneous catalysis and photocatalysis. Surfaces with antimicrobial properties. Wetting of surfaces. Window coatings: Low emission layers, solar control layers, smart windows, electrochromism and thermochromism. Solar energy: Solar and heat radiation, solar cells (Thin film solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells) and thermal solar energy (absorbers, reflectors, absorbent paint layers). Daylight and lighting: Light guides, light diffusers and light emitting diodes. Passive cooling: High-albedo layer and radiation cooling. Coatings for reduced friction and energy savings.

Project work:

In-depth studies of the research literature in any of the above areas, as well as calculations of functional properties and / or simpler experimental investigations. Some projects can take place in collaboration with companies.

Instruction

Plenary lectures, laboratory work, supervised project work and seminar.

Assessment

Written examination of theory part (5 credits). Workshop with oral and written project presentation of project work (5 credits).

If there are special reasons, the examiner may make exceptions from the specified examination method and allow an individual student to be examined in another way. Special reasons can e.g. be notified of special educational support from the university's coordinator for students with disabilities. Digital examination can be made if there are special reasons to do so.