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402-0470-20L 2 Credits MSC , DR D-PHYS , D-ITET

Optical Probing of Nanomaterials In- and Out-of-Equilibrium

Optical Probing of Nanomaterials In- andOut-of-Equilibrium

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Elsa Abreu

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:18

Abstract

This block course introduces students to advanced optical methods for probing nano-materials in and out of equilibrium. The program covers fundamental aspects of nanomaterials growth, theoretical and experimental foundations of linear and nonlinear optical techniques, and applications in nanophotonics and metasurfaces.Course/school description athttps://opneq.ethz.ch(register by 30.04.2026).

Objective

1. Recognize the properties, strengths and limitations of continuous-wave and ultrafast optical techniques. 2. Apply concepts of linear and nonlinear optics to characterize nanophotonic structures. 3. Appreciate the role of ultrafast methods in capturing transient dynamics at the nanoscale, including phase transitions and correlated phenomena. 4. Develop a broader perspective on how modern optical methods contribute to both fundamental science and real-life applications in nanotechnology.

Content

This one-week block course is framed as a set of lectures on the fundamentals of the use of optical probing methods on nanomaterials, including a specialized focus on: 1. Nanophotonics and metasurfaces 2. Optical monitoring of thin-film growth 3. Strongly correlated thin films and ultrafast dynamics 4. Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), time-resolved angular-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (tr-ARPES), time-resolved THz spectroscopy, optical simulations using finite element methods, photo- and cathodo-luminescence spectroscopy.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC , DR

Examination

Type: ungraded semester performance

Tutorials, examination and poster presentation.PhD students are expected to present on their doctoral project. Master's students are encouraged to reach out to the lecturer in advance to discuss the presentation topic.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Optical Probing of Nanomaterials In- and Out-of-Equilibrium Block course from 2nd to 5th June 2026.	No time listed	40 h semesterly

Offered In

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.)
    - Specialization Courses (These specialization courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Electronics and Photonics", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialization courses during the Master's Programme.)
Physics Master
- Electives
  - Electives: Physics and Mathematics
    - Selection: Further Electives
Doctorate Physics (More Information at: )
- Subject Specialisation (Please note that this is an INCOMPLETE list of courses.)