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Nonlinear Optics
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:02:05
Abstract
Nonlinear Optics deals with the interaction of light with matter. I.e. the response of insulators, metals, semiconductors or metamaterials to light and the mathematical framework (classical and quantum mechanical) to describe the phenomena. It is the goal to understand phenomena such as the refractive index, the electro-optic effect, rectification, harmonic generation, FWM, soliton propagation,...
Objective
The important nonlinear optical phenomena are understood and can be classified. The effects can be described mathematical by means of the susceptibility. Particpants will be able to desing and invent novel photonic, plasmonic or quantum devices.
Content
Chapter 1: The Wave Equations in Nonlinear Optics Chapter 2: Nonlinear Effects - An Overview Chapter 3: The Nonlinear Optical Susceptibility - Classical and Quantummechanical Derivations Chapter 4: Second Harmonic Generation Chapter 5: The Electro-Optic Effect and the Electro-Optic Modulator Chapter 6: Acousto-Optic Effect Chapter 7: Nonlinear Effects of Third Order Chapter 8: Nonlinear Effects in Media with Gain
Resources
Literature
Lecture notes are distributed. For students enrolled in the course, additional information, lecture notes and exercises can be found on moodle ( https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/ ).
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Every two years
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Nonlinear Optics |
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise | Nonlinear Optics |
|
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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