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402-0468-15L 6 Credits DR , MSC D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-ITET , D-MATL , D-CHAB

Nanomaterials for Photonic Devices

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Rachel Grange, Dr. Robert Chapman, Dr. Elise Bailly-Rioufreyt, Dr. Virginia Falcone

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:35

Abstract

This lecture describes the fabrication, working principles and applications of nanophotonics and photonic circuits. Nanophotonics and photonic circuits enable the generation, control and detection of light on chip-scale devices with performance beyond what is possible with traditional bulk optics. Applications of nanophotonics include telecommunications, microscopy, and fundamental science.

Objective

Students in this course will acquire knowledge of both theoretical and experimental aspects of nanophotonics including materials properties, device fabrication and advanced applications, such as meta-optics, optoelectronics and quantum photonics. Beyond the course content, students will (1) learn how to read, critically analyze, and discuss scientific literature, (2) prepare and deliver a presentation on a topic related to the course and (3) work in groups to give a poster presentation on a novel photonic device.

Content

1. Recap on linear optics 2. Nanofabrication / characterization 3. Meta-optics 4. Plasmonics 5. Introduction to guided wave optics 6. Semiconductor photonics 7. Second order nonlinear devices 8. Single photon generation 9. Third order nonlinear devices

Resources

Lecture Notes

Slides and book chapter will be available for downloading

Literature

References will be given during the lecture. Helpful textbook chapters to read before the course: Benisty, Greffet, Lalanne – Introduction to Nanophotonics (Ch. 1, 3, 4, 5), Osgood and Meng - Principles of Photonic Integrated Circuits (Ch. 1-2), Boyd – Nonlinear Optics (Ch. 1-2)

General Information

Language: English
Levels: DR , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: oral 20 minutes

Optional presentation, report and poster can count for improving the final grade up to 0.25 grade points

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Nanomaterials for Photonic Devices	No time listed	2 h weekly
exercise	Nanomaterials for Photonic Devices	No time listed	1 h weekly

Offered In

Materials Science Master
- Elective Courses (The students are free to choose individually from the entire course offer of ETH Zürich on the Master level. Please consult the study administration in case of questions.)
Chemistry Master
- Electives (Students are free to choose from a range of D-CHAB chemistry courses appropriate to their level of study (please note admission requirements). In case of doubt, contact the student administration.)
  - Material Science
Micro- and Nanosystems Master
- Core Courses
  - Energy Conversion and Quantum Phenomena
Physics Master
- Electives
  - Electives: Physics and Mathematics
    - Selection: Quantum Electronics
Doctorate Physics (More Information at: )
- Subject Specialisation (Please note that this is an INCOMPLETE list of courses.)
Quantum Engineering Master
- Electives (This is a selection of courses particularly suitable for the MSc QE. In agreement with the tutor, students may choose other courses from the ETH course catalogue.)