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Nonlinear Optics
Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:22
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.
Objective
Important nonlinear optical phenomena are understood and can be classified. The effects can be described mathematically by means of the susceptibility and other material paramters. Particpants will be able to design and invent novel photonic, plasmonic or quantum devices and exploit them for applications in communications, sensing, medical or quantum applications.
Content
This lecture is taught as a fundamental lecture that both phenomenologically as well as rigorously deals with the most important optical phenomena. It is a foundational lecture for people working in the field of optics and photonics. The lecture will cover and convey insights into optical phenomena such as the - refractive index - the electro-optic effect, - rectification, - harmonic generation, - Four wave mixing (FWM) - self-phase and cross-phase modulation (the optical and electrical Kerr effect) - soliton propagation, - metamaterial phenomena - Rayleigh- Mie- or geometric scattering - ... The content is organized as follows: 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
Lecture Notes
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/).
Literature
Book recommendations are given in the lecture notes.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
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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Wahlfächer (Von den angebotenen Wahlfächern müssen mindestens zwei Lerneinheiten erfolgreich abgeschlossen werden.)
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Vertiefung: 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.)
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Kernfächer (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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Fächer der Vertiefung (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. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category.)
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Kernfächer (Diese Fächer sind besonders Empfohlen, um sich in "Electronics and Photonics" zu vertiefen.)
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Allgemeine Wahlfächer (Den Studierenden steht das gesamte Lehrangebot der ETH Zürich zur individuellen Auswahl offen - mit folgenden Einschränkungen: Lehrveranstaltungen aus den ersten beiden Studienjahren eines Bachelor-Curriculums der ETH Zürich sowie Lehrveranstaltungen aus GESS "Wissenschaft im Kontext" sind nicht als allgemeines Wahlfach anrechenbar. Die Dozierenden folgender Lehrveranstaltungen empfehlen sie ausdrücklich den Studierenden der Physik. (Für die Lehrveranstaltungen in dieser Liste können Sie die Kategorie "Allgemeine Wahlfächer" direkt in myStudies zuordnen. Für die Kategoriezuordnung anderer zugelassener Lehrveranstaltungen lassen Sie bei der Prüfungsanmeldung "keine Kategorie" ausgewählt und wenden Sie sich nach dem Verfügen des Prüfungsresultates an das Studiensekretariat ( ).))
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Wahlfächer (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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