Course content

This course offers students a comprehensive understanding of the physical principles and phenomena underlying photonic components and systems. In addition, it provides an overview of practical photonic devices and introduces their applications in optical sensing and communication technologies.

The following topics are covered: photon optics and statistics, photon-atom interaction, two-level systems, Rabi oscillations, laser amplifiers, resonator optics, lasers, semiconductor lasers and detectors, single photon sources and detectors. squeezed light, quantum computation, communication, and cryptography.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: The candidate has

• Advanced understanding of photon properties, photon-atom interactions, and the principles behind photon sources and detectors.
• In-depth knowledge of the design, performance characteristics, and limitations of optical systems.

Skills: The candidate can

• Perform precise calculations of functional characteristics for photonic components.
• Carry out detailed design of photonic systems using component models.
• Operate and apply advanced optical instrumentation for the characterization of photonic components and systems.

General competence: The candidate can

• Collaborate effectively in groups to solve problems and conduct laboratory tasks.
• Document experimental results clearly and professionally in report form.
• Locate, interpret, and apply relevant scientific literature to address theoretical and practical challenges.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, tutorials and laboratory exercises. Laboratory exercises are mandatory.

Compulsory assignments

• Laboratory exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

TFE4161 Photonics I or corresponding knowledge. TFE4177 Semiconductor Physics or corresponding knowledge.

Course materials

E.A.Saleh, M.C.Teich: Fundamentals of Photonics. Second edition

Credit reductions