Optics and Photonics
Syllabus, Master's level, 1FA589
- Code
- 1FA589
- Education cycle
- Second cycle
- Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
- Physics A1F
- Grading system
- Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail (U)
- Finalised by
- The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 12 March 2015
- Responsible department
- Department of Physics and Astronomy
Entry requirements
120 credits and Electromagnetic Field Theory.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, students shall be able to
- describe and illustrate with examples the concept of coherence, estimate the coherence of light sources;
- explain properties of Gaussian beams, calculate propagation of Gaussian beams in free-space and through thin lenses;
- calculate diffraction for simple physical systems, interpret limitations of Fresnel and Frauenhofer diffraction;
- explain and illustrate light guiding, calculate wave propagation in waveguide systems;
- explain the principles of operation of quantum lasers, calculate characteristics of optical resonators;
- estimate output characteristics of photon sources;
- demonstrate problem solving ability both orally and in written;
- conduct an independent study within the field of photonics and make a presentation of the results.
Content
Light as waves, rays and photons. Interference and Coherence. Diffraction of light. Wave optics and Gaussian beams. Transmission through optical components. Holography. Near field imaging. Guided-wave optics. Photonic crystals. Fiber optics. Electromagnetic optics. EM waves in metallic and dielectric media. Absorption and dispersion. Optics of magnetic materials. Metamaterials and Plasmonics. Superlens. Invisibility. Interactions of photons with matter. Quantum laser amplifiers. Quantum lasers. Radiation by charged particles. Semiconductor photon sources and photon detectors.
Instruction
Lectures, demonstration of computer simulations and experimental results, seminars, projects. Problem solving individually and in mini-groups.
Assessment
Hand-in assignments and problem solving at seminars (7 credits), written report and oral presentation of individual projects or a seminar on photonics (3 credits).