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Nano-Optics
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:35:18
Abstract
Nano-Optics is the study of light-matter interaction at the sub-wavelength scale. It is an flourishing field of fundamental and applied research enabled by the rapid advance of nanotechnology. Nano-optics embraces topics such as plasmonics, optical antennas, optical trapping and manipulation, and high/super-resolution imaging and spectroscopy.
Objective
Understanding concepts of light localization and light-matter interactions on the sub-wavelength scale.
Content
We start with the angular spectrum representation of fields to understand the classical resolution limit. We continue with the theory of strongly focused light, the point spread function, and resolution criteria of conventional microscopy, before turning to super-resolution techniques, based on near- and far-fields. We introduce the local density of states and approaches to control spontaneous emission rates in inhomogeneous environments, including optical antennas. Finally, we touch upon optical forces and their applications in optical tweezers.
Resources
Learning Materials (Links)
- Main link
- Principles of Nano-Optics (2nd ed.)
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Every two years
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Nano-Optics |
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise |
Nano-Optics
The exercise classes include solving homework problems and work on the literature project.
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2 h weekly |
Offered In
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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.)
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Core Courses (These core courses are particularly recommended for the field of "Electronics and Photonics". You may choose core courses form other fields in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained from core courses during the MSc EEIT.)
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Advanced Core Courses (Advanced core courses bring students to gain in-depth knowledge of the chosen specialization. They are MSc level only.)
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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.)
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Core Subjects (These core subjects are particularly recommended for the field of "Electronics and Photonics".)
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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.))
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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.)
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