Entry requirements

120 credits in science/engineering. Participation in the courses Quantum Mechanics and Solid State Physics I/F. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course the student should be able to:

• describe the basic principles of light-matter interactions,
• explain the mechanisms of light absorption, stimulated/spontaneous emission, charge carrier generation/recombination, photoelectric/photovoltaic effect, alloying in semiconductors, formation/operation of a p-n junction, 
• communicate how various optoelectronic devices (solar cells, LEDs, and lasers) operate, 
• explain physical limitations for different optoelectronic components, 
• compare different technologies of solar cells, LEDs, and lasers, identifying their competitive advantages and disadvantages, 
• apply measurement methods that characterize optoelectronic systems.

Content

Microscopic description of interactions between optical radiation and matter based on elements of solid-state physics and quantum mechanics. Energy conversion processes in optoelectronic technologies based on p-n junctions and other active media. Working principles of solar cells, LEDs, lasers, and photodetectors (CCD and CMOS). Methods for characterisation of optoelectronic devices. Electronic control of conversion processes and minimisation of energy losses. Competitive advantages of various technologies, including environmental and cost perspectives.

Instruction

Lectures, laboratory exercises and problem solving classes. Project work.

Assessment

Written exam (3 credits), two written laboratory reports and an oral group presentation of the project (2 credits).

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.