Course Details for A.Y. 2014/2015

Course Objectives

The course has the aim to introduce the students to the concepts of modern optics starting by studying the principles of classical optics based on the use of the Maxwell equations for the description of the fundamental optical phenomena: reflection, refraction, interference, diffraction and polarisation status an electromagnetic wave. These notions are the basis to study the optoelectronic effects, the laser physics and those electromagnetic phenomena related to the excitation and use of surface plasmon-polaritons in metal films and in nanometer sized metal/dielectric complex structures. All this introduces to the understanding of the more advanced topics employed for the design and fabrication of novel nanophotonic devices based on quantum effects that find now applications in a wide range of research fields spanning from chemistry to medicine and biotecnology

Course Content

• Maxwell equations in free space; laws of light reflection and refraction; polarisation status of the light; birefringent crystals and their use in changing the light polarisation status; the Jones matrix method; wave retarder plates; the electro-optic effect: light amplitude and phase modulators; light interference: Michelson and Fabry Perot interferometers; laser sources; three and four level laser systems; laser rate equations; continuous wave operation of a laser; semiconductor lasers; introduction to quantum mechanics; quantum well, quantum wire and quantum dot structures; interaction of light with metals and with composites of metal and dielectric nanoparticles; plasmonic phenomena in metal nanoantennas and their use for the design of ultra-sensitive sensors for spectroscopic detection and characterisation of chemical and biological compounds. The students design, prepare and employ experimental configurations to verify some fundamental optical phenomena. Moreover, the students are introduced to the use of COMSOL Multiphysics for the simulation of the response of simple photonic devices.

Learning Outcomes (Dublin Descriptors)

On successful completion of this course, the student should

Prerequisites and Learning Activities

Prerequisites: fundamental physics; mathematics; solid state devices; the students must acquire abilities in solving optical problems by designing photonic structures that can be used for different applications in fundamental research and in industry

Assessment Methods and Criteria

Written and oral examination. A final report on the laboratory activities is requested at the end of the course

Internet Resources

Course page updates

• A.Y. 2012/2013
• A.Y. 2013/2014
• A.Y. 2014/2015
• A.Y. 2015/2016
• A.Y. 2016/2017
• A.Y. 2017/2018
• A.Y. 2018/2019