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402-0275-00L 8 Credits BSC , SHE , DR , MSC D-MATL , D-PHYS , D-ITET

Quantum Electronics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Giacomo Scalari

Physics BSc students with programme regulations 2016 need to register for "402-0275-10L Quantum Electronics". A repetition week is offered at the end of the semester.

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:17

Abstract

Classical and semi-classical introduction to Quantum Electronics. Mandatory for further elective courses in Quantum Electronics. The field of Quantum Electronics describes propagation of light and its interaction with matter. The emphasis is set on linear wave and beam propagation in dispersive media, interference, diffraction, optical anisotropic materials, waveguides and lasers.

Objective

Teach the fundamental building blocks of Quantum Electronics. After taking this course, students will be able to describe light propagation in dispersive and anisotropic media, at material interfaces, as well as fundamental phenomena such as interference or the operation principles of lasers and waveguides.

Content

Propagation of light in dispersive media Light propagation through interfaces Interference and coherence Interferometry Fourier optics Beam propagation Optical resonators Laser fundamentals Polarization optics Waveguides

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes will be distributed

Literature

Reference: Saleh, B.E.A., Teich, M.C.; Fundamentals of Photonics, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., newest edition

General Information

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

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: oral 30 minutes

Active participation will be monitored as a continuous performance assessment (Leistungselement) by a series of online MC questions. An overall rate of 70% correct answers will result in a bonus of 0.25 on the grade of the exam. Details on the requirements to benefit from this bonus will be communicated in the lecture.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Quantum Electronics	Tue 08:45-09:30 (HCI J 3) Thu 13:45-15:30 (HPH G 3)	3 h weekly
exercise	Quantum Electronics	Tue 11:45-13:30 (HCI F 8) Tue 11:45-13:30 (HIT F 32) Tue 13:45-15:30 (HIT F 32) Tue 15:45-17:30 (HIT H 51) Tue 15:45-17:30 (HIT J 53)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Physics Bachelor
- Core Courses
  - Core Courses in Experimental Physics
- Electives
Physics Teaching Diploma (Detailed information on the programme at: Please note that the course number has changed from HS24 onwards. This change will have no effect on the courses and performances already completed and will be recognised for the respective degree.)
- Spec. Courses in Resp. Subj. w/ Educ. Focus & Further Subj. Didactics (Core courses that counted towards the Bachelor or Master programme in physics or comprised additional admission requirements in subject didactics are not eligible for the teaching diploma.)
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.)