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227-0125-00L 6 Credits BSC , DR , MSC D-HEST , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-ITET , D-MATL

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Optics and Photonics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Juerg Leuthold

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:22:46

Abstract

This lecture covers both - the fundamentals of "Optics" such as e.g. "ray optics", "coherence", the "Planck law", the "reciprocity theorem" or the "Einstein relations" but also the fundamentals of "Photonics" on the generation (the laser), processing, transmission and detection of photons.

Objective

A sound base for work in the field of optics and photonics will be conveyed. Key principles of optics will the thaught. The lecture passes on the essentials for work with free-space optics or waveguide optics. In addition important optical devices will be discussed. Among them are e.g. optical filters, copulers (MMI-couplers,...), Holograms,... .

Content

Chapter 1: Ray Optics Chapter 2: Electromagnetic Optics Chapter 3: Polarization Chapter 4: Coherence and Interference Chapter 5: Fourier Optics and Diffraction Chapter 6: Guided Wave Optics Chapter 7: Optical Fibers Chapter 8: The Laser

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes will be handed out.

General Information

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

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: oral 30 minutes

Die Beteiligung am Übungsbetrieb wird im Sinne der Lernelemente mit bis zu 0.25 Notenpunkten belohnt. Es wird erwartet, dass man die Übungen löst. Zur Kontrolle werden die Übungen an 3 zufälligen Terminen eingezogen. Wer mindestens 2 Übungsserien gelöst hat erhält 0.25 Notenpunkt Gutschriften.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Optics and Photonics	Tue 10:15-12:00 (ETZ E 6)	2 h weekly
exercise	Optics and Photonics	Tue 08:15-10:00 (ETZ E 6)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Bachelor
- 6th Semester: Third Year Core Courses (Can be freely combined, a list of recommendations is available under )
Biomedical Engineering Master
- Major Courses
  - Bioelectronics
    - Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Bioelectronics track. Please consult your track adviser if you wish to select other subjects.)
  - Bioimaging
    - Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Bioimaging track. Please consult your track adviser if you wish to select other subjects.)
Micro- and Nanosystems Master
- Core Courses
  - Elective Core Courses
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Master
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2018)
  - Communication (The core courses and specialization courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialize in the area of "Communication", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Core Courses (These core courses are particularly recommended for the field of "Communication". 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.)
      - Foundation Core Courses
  - Electronics and Photonics (The core courses and specialization courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialize in the area of "Electronics and Photonics", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - 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.)
      - Foundation Core Courses
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2008)
  - Major Courses (A total of 42 CP must be achieved form courses during the Master Program. 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.)
Doctorate Materials Science (Further information at: )
- Subject Specialisation
  - Science & Technology of the Small (MaP Doctoral School)
Quantum Engineering Master
- 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.)