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402-0468-15L 6 Credits MSC D-CHAB , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-MATL , D-ITET
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Nanomaterials for Photonics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Rachel Grange
Does not take place this semester.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:41:33

Abstract

The lecture describes various nanomaterials (semiconductor, metal, dielectric, carbon-based...) for photonic applications (optoelectronics, plasmonics, photonic crystal...). It starts with nanophotonic concepts of light-matter interactions, then the fabrication methods, the optical characterization techniques, the description of the properties and the state-of-the-art applications.

Objective

The students will acquire theoretical and experimental knowledge in the different types of nanomaterials (semiconductors, metals, dielectric, carbon-based, ...) and their uses as building blocks for advanced applications in photonics (optoelectronics, plasmonics, photonic crystal, ...). Together with the exercises, the students will learn (1) to read, summarize and discuss scientific articles related to the lecture, (2) to estimate order of magnitudes with calculations using the theory seen during the lecture, (3) to prepare a short oral presentation about one topic related to the lecture, and (4) to imagine a useful photonic device.

Content

1. Introduction to Nanomaterials for photonics a. Classification of the materials in sizes and speed... b. General info about scattering and absorption c. Nanophotonics concepts 2. Analogy between photons and electrons a. Wavelength, wave equation b. Dispersion relation c. How to confine electrons and photons d. Tunneling effects 3. Characterization of Nanomaterials a. Optical microscopy: Bright and dark field, fluorescence, confocal, High resolution: PALM (STORM), STED b. Electron microscopy : SEM, TEM c. Scanning probe microscopy: STM, AFM d. Near field microscopy: SNOM e. X-ray diffraction: XRD, EDS 4. Generation of Nanomaterials a. Top-down approach b. Bottom-up approach 5. Plasmonics a. What is a plasmon, Drude model b. Surface plasmon and localized surface plasmon (sphere, rod, shell) c. Theoretical models to calculate the radiated field: electrostatic approximation and Mie scattering d. Fabrication of plasmonic structures: Chemical synthesis, Nanofabrication e. Applications 6. Organic nanomaterials a. Organic quantum-confined structure: nanomers and quantum dots. b. Carbon nanotubes: properties, bandgap description, fabrication c. Graphene: motivation, fabrication, devices 7. Semiconductors a. Crystalline structure, wave function... b. Quantum well: energy levels equation, confinement c. Quantum wires, quantum dots d. Optical properties related to quantum confinement e. Example of effects: absorption, photoluminescence... f. Solid-state-lasers : edge emitting, surface emitting, quantum cascade 8. Photonic crystals a. Analogy photonic and electronic crystal, in nature b. 1D, 2D, 3D photonic crystal c. Theoretical modeling: frequency and time domain technique d. Features: band gap, local enhancement, superprism... 9. Optofluidic a. What is optofluidic ? b. History of micro-nano-opto-fluidic c. Basic properties of fluids d. Nanoscale forces and scale law e. Optofluidic: fabrication f. Optofluidic: applications g. Nanofluidics 10. Nanomarkers a. Contrast in imaging modalities b. Optical imaging mechanisms c. Static versus dynamic probes

Resources

Lecture Notes

Slides and book chapter will be available for downloading

Literature

References will be given during the lecture

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Every two years

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 20 minutes
An optional presentation can count for improving the final grade up to 0.25 grade points

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Nanomaterials for Photonics
Does not take place this semester.
No time listed 2 h weekly
exercise Nanomaterials for Photonics
Does not take place this semester.
No time listed 1 h weekly

Offered In