This course is offered each Spring semester by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Aarhus University, as part of its comprehensive Photonics Teaching Program.
Watch a brief introduction to the course in this 1-minute video: MP4
This course provides students with a solid foundation in the principles and applications of photonics. By covering essential topics such as electric and magnetic fields, light propagation, optical fibers, and photodetection, this course prepares electrical engineering students to tackle cutting-edge challenges in telecommunications, medical imaging, and quantum computing. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical lab exercises and offers networking opportunities with industry leaders. This course opens up new avenues for innovation and career opportunities in high-tech industries.
The course covers the fundamental principles and applications of photonics. Key subjects include:
ECTS credits: 5
Course coordinator: Nicolas Volet
Program requirement: Active participation is mandatory.
Prerequisites: Prior knowledge of electromagnetism and optics.
Course assessment: Evaluation will be based on an oral exam, centered on a design study you will develop, incorporating one or more research papers related to lightwave technologies. Grading will follow the seven-point scale and will include an external co-examiner.
During the Spring semester: January – May, 2025.
Jan. 29 + Feb. 1
Recap on complex numbers and differential operators.
Maxwell's equations and complex fields.
Fourier decomposition, separation of variables and trial solution.
Pulses, small-signal modulation and continuous-wave (cw) operation.
Wavenumber, attenuation coefficient and effective refractive index.
Expressions for the electric field.
Feb. 12 + 15
Transverse polarizations.
Coefficients of reflection and transmission.
Fresnel's relations.
Brewster's angle. Phase jumps.
Thin films: antireflection (AR) coating, bandpass filter, distributed Bragg reflector (DBR).
Goos-Hänchen effect.
During the exercice session on Thursday (Feb. 15), we will use the software EMode Photonix.
Information on how to get started can be found here.
Please go through the information provided at this link and install the license.
National Optics Congress in Odense: Feb. 27 + 28
Great opportunity to network with #photonics companies on the beautiful campus of University of Southern Denmark (SDU).
––> For students: all expenses paid for the conference experience including transport and accommodation.
Guest lecture from Asger Sellerup Jensen, Senior Market Development Manager & Head of Quantum at NKT Photonics
Video: MPG
Internship and Project Day: March 8 (Friday)
Starting at 7:45 in Building 5122, Room 122.
See this LinkedIn post.
Research Day: March 20 (Wednesday)
Pitches starting at 12:30 in Peter Bøgh Andersen Auditory in Building 5335.
Poster session starting at 13:30 in Building 5122, Room 122.
Introduction to Integrated Nonlinear Photonics (March 22)
March 25 – 29: no teaching at AU (Easter)
** April 1 (Monday): public holiday (Easter Monday), no teaching **
––> April 4 (Thursday): group presentations
For numerical simulations of modes in waveguides, we will use the software EMode Photonix.
Information on how to get started can be found here.
The evaluation is based on an oral exam, which will focus on a design study you will make involving one or more research papers related to optical technologies.
For those that would like to attend the exam, please send your abstract to Nicolas Volet by email before the above deadline.
The exam is oral, and the duration is 20 min.
We ask you to prepare a presentation for 10 min, leaving 10 min for questions.
LaTeX files (for booklets and exercises) are available at this Overleaf project.
Slides and other files are available at this SharePoint site.
