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402-0468-15L 6 Credits DR , MSC D-MATL , D-PHYS , D-MAVT , D-CHAB , D-ITET

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Nanomaterials for Photonic Devices

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Rachel Grange, Dr. Robert Chapman, Dr. Elise Bailly-Rioufreyt, Dr. Virginia Falcone, Dr. Andrea Morandi

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:30:04

Abstract

The lecture describes various nanomaterials (semiconductor, metal, dielectric, carbon-based...) for photonic applications (optoelectronics, plasmonics, photonic integrated circuits, ordered and disordered structures...). It starts with concepts of light-matter interactions, fabrication and characterization, the description of the properties and the state-of-the-art applications and devices.

Objective

The students will acquire theoretical and experimental knowledge about the different types of nanomaterials (semiconductors, metals, dielectric, carbon-based, ...) and their uses as building blocks for advanced applications in photonics (optoelectronics, plasmonics, photonic crystal, ...). Together with the exercises, the students will learn (1) to read, summarize and discuss scientific articles related to the lecture, (2) to estimate order of magnitudes with calculations using the theory seen during the lecture, (3) to prepare a short oral presentation and report about one topic related to the lecture, and (4) to imagine an original photonic device.

Content

1. Introduction to nanophotonics 2. Wave physics for nanophotonics 3. Characterization of nanomaterials 4. Semiconductors 5. Nonlinear crystals 6. Photonic integrated circuits 7. Optical quantum devices 8. Plasmonics 9. Metasurfaces 10. Graphene & 2D Materials 11. Nanocomposites

Resources

Lecture Notes

Slides and book chapter will be available for downloading

Literature

References will be given during the lecture

Learning Materials (Links)

Moodle course
Moodle-Kurs / Moodle course

General Information

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

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: oral 20 minutes

Optional presentation, report and poster can count for improving the final grade up to 0.25 grade points

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Nanomaterials for Photonic Devices	Tue 09:45-11:30 (HPK D 3)	2 h weekly
exercise	Nanomaterials for Photonic Devices	Tue 11:45-12:30 (HPK D 3) Tue 12:45-13:30 (HPK D 3)	1 h weekly

Offered In

Materials Science Master
- 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.)
Chemistry Master
- Electives (Students are free to choose from a range of D-CHAB chemistry courses appropriate to their level of study (please note admission requirements). In case of doubt, contact the student administration.)
  - Material Science
Micro- and Nanosystems Master
- Core Courses
  - Energy Conversion and Quantum Phenomena
Physics Master
- Electives
  - Electives: Physics and Mathematics
    - Selection: Quantum Electronics
Doctorate Physics (More Information at: )
- Subject Specialisation (Please note that this is an INCOMPLETE list of courses.)
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.)