Course syllabus for Photonics and lasers

Course syllabus adopted 2024-02-02 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameFotonik och laserteknik
  • CodeMCC047
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerMPWPS
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyElectrical Engineering, Engineering Physics
  • DepartmentMICROTECHNOLOGY AND NANOSCIENCE
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 29143
  • Block schedule
  • Open for exchange studentsYes

Credit distribution

0124 Laboratory 1.5 c
Grading: TH		 1.5 c
0224 Project 1.5 c
Grading: TH		 1.5 c
0324 Examination 4.5 c
Grading: TH		 4.5 c

In programmes

Examiner

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Eligibility

General entry requirements for Master's level (second cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

English 6 (or by other approved means with the equivalent proficiency level)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

Basic knowledge of physics, electromagnetic fields, and numerical work with MATLAB software.

Aim

The aim of the course is to provide the student with an up to date knowledge of concepts and techniques used in modern photonics. Different physical models for light propagation and interaction with matter are discussed, and they are implemented using modern numerical methods. The fundamentals of laser physics and laser applications is covered as well. A wide area of optical phenomena and applications is covered. The broad nature of the course gives a good background for further in-depth studies in the field of photonics.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

Describe qualitatively and quantitatively:
- ray propagation in lenses and mirrors
- propagation and diffraction of Gaussian beams of light
- Fourier decomposition and analysis of light in terms of plane waves
- imaging and holography
- polarization properties of light and how polarization components work
- electromagnetic optics
- basic laser physical dynamics
- various laser types and their applications
- properties of laser light such as output power, frequency, line width, modes and dynamics

Describe qualitatively a wide range of modern laser and photonic applications, and discuss the use of alternative solutions.

Formulate specific safety limitations for exposure to laser radiation.

Collect and evaluate experimental data in a photonic laboratory.

Content

A. Ray optics
B. Wave optics, beam optics
C. Fourier optics, diffraction and holography
D. Electromagnetic optics and polarization optics
E. Metal and metamaterial optics
F. Resonator and laser amplifiers
G. Laser dynamics and modelocking
H. Laser applications and laser safety

Organisation

Theory block
Lectures, tutorials and voluntary home assignments (bonus points)

Project work
Compulsory sessions

Laboratory
Laboratory exercises including numerical simulations

Literature

B.E.A. Saleh and M.C. Teich: Fundamentals of Photonics, 3rd ed., Wiley.
Additional material provided by the teachers

Examination including compulsory elements

Theory block
Written exam (theory and exercises)

Project work
Project presentation (one per group)

Laboratory
1 lab report (one per group)

The final grade of the course will be calculated as the weighted average of the parts.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.