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151-0952-00L 4 Credits BSC , DR , MSC D-HEST , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-ITET , D-MATL
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Nanophotonics: from Fundamentals to Applications

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. David J. Norris, Prof. Dr. Romain Quidant
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:03

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. A non-programmable calculator is allowed.
The course includes a written final session examination covering all material taught. Additionally, there will be one continuous performance assessment task during the semester. This learning task is optional and can add a bonus of 0.25 to the final grade. The bonus is awarded if students deliver a small presentation during the exercise.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Nanophotonics: from Fundamentals to Applications
  • Thu 10:15-12:00 (CHN C 14)
2 h weekly
exercise Nanophotonics: from Fundamentals to Applications
  • Thu 14:15-16:00 (HG D 3.2)
2 h weekly

Offered In