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Nanophotonics: from Fundamentals to Applications
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:39:07
Abstract
Nanophotonics exploits the unique optical properties of nanostructured materials to boost our control over light, beyond what conventional optics can do. In particular, nanophotonics has proven to offer a unique toolbox to engineer light on the nanometer scale, benefiting a wide spectrum of scientific disciplines, ranging from physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering.
Objective
The purpose of this course is threefold: (i) to introduce students to the principal concepts of nanophotonics, (ii) to describe some of the main nanophotonics implementations to control light on the nanometer scale, and finally (iii) to present specific applications where nanophotonics has made breakthrough contributions.
Content
I- INTRODUCTORY CONCEPTS 1. The diffraction limit and the challenges of conventional optics 2. The optical near field 3. Reminders on light-matter interaction 4. Reminders on optical resonators II- PLASMONICS 1. Surface plasmon polaritons 2. Localized surface plasmons 3. Hot carriers 4. Thermoplasmonics III- DIELECTRIC NANOPHOTONICS 1. Mie resonances in subwavelength particles 2. Electric versus magnetic resonances 3. Mode engineering and directional scattering 4. Dielectric nanophotonics versus plasmonics IV- ARTIFICIAL PHOTONIC MATERIALS 1. Photonic crystals 2. Metamaterials 3. Topological photonics 4. Flat optics, metasurfaces & metalenses V- APPLICATIONS 1. Renewable energy 2. Biomedicine 3. Information and Communication Technology
Resources
Lecture Notes
Class notes and handouts
Literature
- Introduction to Nanophotonics - Benisty, Greffet & Lalanne - Absorption and scattering of light by small particles - Bohren & Huffman - Thermoplasmonics - Baffou - Plasmonics - Maier
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 90 minutes
- Aids
- Student can place on two A4 sheets of papers any information they consider useful for the exam.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Nanophotonics: from Fundamentals to Applications |
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise | Nanophotonics: from Fundamentals to Applications |
|
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 the courses offered by D-MAVT (151-…) in the Bachelor and Master programs.)
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Mechatronics and Robotics (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Robert Katzschmann)
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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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Biomedical Engineering Master (Only courses offered under "GESS Science in Perspective" count in this category. See "Offered in" tab in course view. For more information, please refer to )
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Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Bioelectronics track. Please consult your track adviser if you wish to select other subjects.)
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Elective Courses (The students are free to choose individually from the entire course offer of ETH Zürich on the Master level. Please consult the study administration in case of questions.)
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Doctorate Materials Science (Further information at: )
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