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Introduction to Photonics
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:35:22
Abstract
This course introduces students to the main concepts of optics and photonics. Specifically, we will describe the laws obeyed by optical waves and discuss how to use them to manipulate light.
Objective
Photonics, the science of light, has become ubiquitous in our lives. Light control and manipulation is what enables us to interact with the screen of our smart devices and exchange large amount of complex information. Photonics has also taken a preponderant importance in cutting-edge science, allowing for instance to image nanospecimens, detect diseases or sense very tiny forces. The aim of this course is to provide the fundamentals of photonics, establishing a solid basis to more specialized courses. The course will also highlight how these concepts are applied in current research as well as in our everyday life. Content has been designed to be approachable by students from a diverse set of science and engineering backgrounds.
Content
I- BASICS OF WAVE THEORY 1) General concepts 2) Differential wave Equation 3) Complex formalism 4) Phase 5) Plane waves, spherical waves II- ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES 1) Maxwell equations 2) Dielectric function 3) Polarisation 4) Polarisation control III- PROPAGATION OF LIGHT 1) Waves at an interface 2) Dispersion diagram 3) The Fresnel equations 4) Total internal reflection 5) Evanescent waves IV- INTERFERENCES 1) Interferences 2) Temporal and spatial coherence 3) Diffraction gratings 4) Multi-wave interference 5) Introduction to holography and its applications V- LIGHT MANIPULATION 1) Optical waveguide 2) Optical cavity 3) Photonic crystals 4) Metamaterials and metasurfaces VI- INTRODUCTION TO OPTICAL MICROSCOPY 1) Light focusing 2) Direct and Fourier imaging 3) Fluorescence microscopy 4) Nonlinear microscopy 5) Interferential Scattering microscopy
Resources
Lecture Notes
Class notes and handouts
Literature
Optics (Hecht) - Pearson
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 60 minutes
- Aids
- None
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 45
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Introduction to Photonics
This course will be taught in a hybrid of online and face-to-face classroom formats; students will be informed who can attend the class on campus.
|
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise | Introduction to Photonics |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Energy, Flows and Processes (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Christoph Müller In order to achieve the required 20 credit points for the Focus Specialization Energy, Flows and Processes you need to choose at least 2 core courses (W+) (HS/FS) and at least 2 of the elective courses (HS/FS), according to the presentation of the Focus Specialisation (see ). One course can be selected among all the courses offered by D-MAVT (Bachelors and Masters).)
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Mechatronics (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Bradley Nelson To achieve the 20 credits for Focus Specialization Mechatronics, 151-0640-00L Studies on Mechatronics is compulsory.)
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Microsystems and Nanoscale Engineering (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Christofer Hierold)
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Micro & Nanosystems (The courses listed in this category “Core Courses” are recommended. Alternative courses can be chosen in agreement with the tutor.)
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