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227-0663-00L 6 Credits DR , MSC D-HEST , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-MATH , D-ITET , D-MATL , D-BSSE

Nano-Optics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Lukas Novotny, Prof. Dr. Martin Frimmer

VVZ CR n/a

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

Abstract

Nano-Optics studies the interaction of light and matter at the sub-wavelength scale. It is a flourishing field of fundamental and applied research and it is enabled by the rapid advance of nanotechnology. Nano-optics embraces topics such as optical antennas, meta-materials, novel opto-electronic materials, optical trapping and manipulation, and super-resolution imaging and spectroscopy.

Objective

The goal of this course is to understand the fundamental concepts governing light-matter interactions on the sub-wavelength scale. A further objective is to gain an overview over the recent developments in the fields of optical imaging, optical manipulation, and low-dimensional optical materials.

Content

We start with the angular spectrum representation of fields to understand the classical resolution limit. We continue with the theory of strongly focused light, the point spread function, and resolution criteria of conventional microscopy, before turning to super-resolution techniques, based on near- and far-fields. We introduce the local density of states and approaches to control spontaneous emission rates in inhomogeneous environments, including optical antennas. Then, we touch upon optical forces and their applications in optical tweezers. Finally, we discuss recent advances regarding optoelectronics with 2D materials

Resources

Literature

Novotny and Hecht, Principles of Nano-Optics, Cambridge University Press

General Information

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

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

Final grade will be based on homework assignments, a small research project, and a final exam.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Nano-Optics	Fri 10:15-12:00 (ETZ E 8)	2 h weekly
exercise	Nano-Optics	Fri 12:15-14:00 (ETZ E 9)	2 h weekly

Offered In

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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  - Bioelectronics
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  - Biomechanics
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Computational Science and Engineering Master
- Electives (In the ‘electives’ subcategory, at least two course units must be successfully completed. All courses listed as core courses (not electives) for one of the following ETH MSc programmes, MSc Statistics, MSc Physics, MSc Computer Science, MSc (Applied) Mathematics, MSc Neural Systems and Computation, MSc Robotics, Systems, and Control, MSc Data Science, MSc Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, can be taken as an elective course in the MSc CSE without prior permission.)
Biotechnology Master
- Electives (Open list - other courses (ETH or UNIBAS) may be taken as electives upon approval of the mentor.)
Micro- and Nanosystems Master
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  - Elective Core Courses
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Master
- 01 - Courses of specializations
  - Track: 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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Physics Master
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  - General Electives (Students may choose General Electives from the entire course programme of ETH Zurich - with the following restrictions: courses that belong to the first or second year of a Bachelor curriculum at ETH Zurich as well as courses from GESS "Science in Perspective" are not eligible here. The following courses are explicitly recommended to physics students by their lecturers. (Courses in this list may be assigned to the category "General Electives" directly in myStudies. For the category assignment of other eligible courses keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration ( ) after having received the credits.))
Doctorate Materials Science (Further information at: )
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  - Science & Technology of the Small (MaP Doctoral School)
Quantum Engineering Master
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