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151-0911-00L 4 Credits BSC , MSC D-ITET , D-MAVT , D-PHYS

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Introduction to Plasmonics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. David J. Norris

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:35:21

Abstract

This course provides fundamental knowledge of surface plasmon polaritons and discusses their applications in plasmonics.

Objective

Electromagnetic oscillations known as surface plasmon polaritons have many unique properties that are useful across a broad set of applications in biology, chemistry, physics, and optics. The field of plasmonics has arisen to understand the behavior of surface plasmon polaritons and to develop applications in areas such as catalysis, imaging, photovoltaics, and sensing. In particular, metallic nanoparticles and patterned metallic interfaces have been developed to utilize plasmonic resonances. The aim of this course is to provide the basic knowledge to understand and apply the principles of plasmonics. The course will strive to be approachable to students from a diverse set of science and engineering backgrounds.

Content

Fundamentals of Plasmonics - Basic electromagnetic theory - Optical properties of metals - Surface plasmon polaritons on surfaces - Surface plasmon polariton propagation - Localized surface plasmons Applications of Plasmonics - Waveguides - Extraordinary optical transmission - Enhanced spectroscopy - Sensing - Metamaterials

Resources

Lecture Notes

Class notes and handouts

Literature

S. A. Maier, Plasmonics: Fundamentals and Applications, 2007, Springer

Learning Materials (Links)

Main link
Class website

General Information

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

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 120 minutes
Aids: For allowed aids, see the "Further information on examination mode" section. Devices with internet access and mini computers are not allowed.

The final note of each student will be determined from:120-Minute Final Session Examination: 100%For the final session examination, each student will be allowed to bring two sheets of A4 paper with hand-written notes on both sides of each sheet. Each student can put whatever information they want on these pages, but it must be written or drawn by their own hand. No scanning, printing, or photocopying is allowed. Other than these two sheets, the final session exam is closed book. Each student may also bring a standard scientific calculator. An announcement will be made before the exam begins whether this calculator will be necessary.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Introduction to Plasmonics	Wed 16:00-18:00 (ON LI NE)	2 h weekly
exercise	Introduction to Plasmonics	Thu 09:00-10:00 (ON LI NE)	1 h weekly

Offered In

Mechanical Engineering Bachelor
- 5. Semester
  - Focus Specialization
    - Microsystems and Nanoscale Engineering (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Christofer Hierold)
Mechanical Engineering Master
- Core Courses
  - Energy, Flows and Processes (The courses listed in this category “Core Courses” are recommended. Alternative courses can be chosen in agreement with the tutor.)
  - Micro & Nanosystems (The courses listed in this category “Core Courses” are recommended. Alternative courses can be chosen in agreement with the tutor.)
Process Engineering Master
- Core Courses
Micro- and Nanosystems Master
- Core Courses
  - Elective Core Courses
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Master
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2018)
  - Electronics and Photonics (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Electronics and Photonics", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Specialisation Courses (These specialisation courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Electronics and Photonics", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the Master's Programme.)
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2008)
  - Major Courses (A total of 42 CP must be achieved during the Master Programme. The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Electronics and Photonics
      - Recommended Subjects (These courses are recommended, but you are free to choose courses from any other special field. Please consult your tutor.)
Physics Master
- Electives
  - General Electives (Students may choose General Electives from the entire course programme of ETH Zurich - with the following restrictions: courses that belong to the first or second year of a Bachelor curriculum at ETH Zurich as well as courses from GESS "Science in Perspective" are not eligible here. The following courses are explicitly recommended to physics students by their lecturers. (Courses in this list may be assigned to the category "General Electives" directly in myStudies. For the category assignment of other eligible courses keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration ( ) after having received the credits.))