Optical characterization of thin films, 5 credits
Optisk karakterisering av tunna filmer
Course information
Language of instruction: English
Course period: Period 4, 2025
Campus teaching or online teaching: On Campus
Recommended prerequisites
Basic level knowledge in optics and solid state physics. Feel free to attend the introductory lecture if you are unsure whether the course is right for you or if you just need to refresh your knowledge.
Learning outcomes
- To understand the origins of optical properties of materials, and to learn how to mathematically model these properties.
- To learn and apply basic theoretical concepts for the optics of thin films.
- To learn and apply several experimental techniques for optical characterization of thin films. To develop scientific communication skills and a critical mindset through seminar discussions and hand-ins.
Learning outcomes for doctoral degree
Knowledge and Understanding: Students will learn a useful topic in an area of relevance for their study subject. The course span all the way from basic theory to experimental methods.
Competence and Skills: Practical skill development with the techniques is an important part of the course, and is gained through 4 lab sessions. Communication skills are also practiced, in 4 seminars. Critical thinking and the identification of knowledge gaps is stimulated by student formulated questions and discussion points for the seminars, and by the active participation in the seminar discussions.
Course contents
The course starts with an optional introductory lecture (L0) where we discuss (and perhaps repeat) some useful concepts in optics and solid state physics.
Then, the first four regular lectures of the course will address:
L1. Optical properties of materials
L2. Optical and electronic properties from calculations
L3. Thin film optics
L4. Effective medium theory
Each of L1-L4 is connected to a 2 h seminar, where more in-depth material related to the lecture content is discussed.
The course continues with four lectures targeting experimental techniques:
L5. Basics of spectroscopic ellipsometry
L6. Spectroscopic ellipsometry analysis
L7. Measurement and analysis by spectrophotometry
L8. Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy
Lecture 5-8 are applied in two measurement labs and two computer labs.
Instruction
The course moves from lectures, over seminars based on in-depth reading assignments, to computer based and practical lab work with hand-in reports. In this way, students will gradually acquire the skills required to apply the knowledge to relevant problems in thin film optics in the lab, and to analyze and interpret the results.
Assessment
Active participation in the seminars (through submission of questions on the reading material beforehand, and through active participation in discussions on their fellow student's questions during the seminar). Written reports on the 4 labs.
Course examiner
Carl Hägglund, carl.hagglund@angstrom.uu.se
Department with main responsibility
Materials science and engineering
Contact person
Carl Hägglund, carl.hagglund@angstrom.uu.se
Application
Submit the application: carl.hagglund@angstrom.uu.se
Submit the application not later than: April 8, 2025