Photonic Devices Exam (10 ECTS)

The Photonic Devices course concludes with a written report and an oral exam designed to evaluate your comprehensive understanding, critical analysis skills, and ability to propose and defend a research study in the field of photonic devices.

Objective

This assessment aims to:

Evaluate your understanding of photonic devices.
Assess your ability to critically analyze research papers.
Measure your competence in developing a detailed design study proposal.
Test your skills in producing a scholarly report and delivering an effective oral presentation.

Structure

1. Selection of research papers

Task: The student selects 3-4 recent research papers focused on photonic devices. Topics may include but are not limited to semiconductor lasers, photonic integrated circuits, optical sensors, or photonic crystals.

Duration: 2 weeks

Criteria: Papers must be from reputable journals or conferences and should collectively provide a comprehensive basis for the proposed study.

2. Design study proposal

Task: The student prepares a detailed design study proposal based on the selected papers.
Components:

Introduction: Overview of the topic and significance of the selected papers.
Literature review: Summary of key findings, methodologies, and contributions from each paper.
Research gap identification: Identification of gaps or areas for further research.
Objectives: Clear statement of the design study's objectives and hypotheses.
Methodology: Detailed description of the proposed methodology including experimental setup, theoretical models, and analytical techniques.
Expected outcomes: Description of anticipated results and their potential impact on photonic devices.
Innovation and applications: Discussion on how the study could lead to innovative solutions or applications in photonic devices.

Duration: 3 weeks
Submission: The proposal, along with a preliminary outline of the report, must be submitted four weeks before the last session.

3. Written report

Task: Based on the design study proposal, the student writes a scholarly report.

Requirements:

Length: a minimum of 5 pages (excluding references).
Structure: introduction, literature review, methodology, results and discussion, conclusion, references.
Content: detailed description of the proposed study, critical analysis of the literature, and potential implications of the research findings.
Format: Follow academic writing conventions including proper citations and references.

Duration: 4 weeks

Submission: The report is due two weeks after the last session.

4. Oral presentation and examination

Duration: 10 minutes presentation + 10 minutes Q&A

Presentation (10 minutes):
- Summary of selected papers: Highlight the main contributions, methodologies, and findings.
- Design study proposal: Present the detailed proposal including objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
- Critical analysis: Provide a critical evaluation of the selected papers.
Q&A session (10 minutes):
- Understanding and justification: Questions on fundamental concepts, rationale behind the proposed study, and its feasibility.
- Impact and innovation: Discussion on the potential impact and novelty of the study.
- Critical thinking: Responses demonstrating critical analysis and synthesis of information.

Preparation guidelines

Selection of research papers
- Choose recent, high-impact papers from reputable sources.
- Ensure papers collectively provide a comprehensive basis for the study on photonic devices.
In-depth understanding
- Thoroughly read and understand each paper.
- Note methodologies, results, and implications.
Proposal development
- Identify a clear research gap based on the literature review.
- Develop a feasible and detailed research methodology.
- Consider practical applications and potential impact in the field of photonic devices.
Written report
- Follow academic writing conventions.
- Ensure clarity, coherence, and proper structure.
Presentation skills
- Prepare a clear and concise presentation.
- Practice delivery and anticipate potential questions.
Critical thinking
- Be ready to discuss and defend the proposed study.
- Show the ability to think critically about research and propose innovative solutions.

Evaluation criteria

Selection and analysis of research papers (20%)
- Quality and relevance of selected papers.
- Depth of understanding and critical analysis.
Design study proposal (30%)
- Clarity, feasibility, and innovation of the proposed study.
- Thoroughness of methodology and expected outcomes.
Written report (30%)
- Quality of writing, organization, and coherence.
- Depth of analysis and discussion of research findings.
Oral presentation and Q&A (20%)
- Clarity, organization, and professionalism of the presentation.
- Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.
- Depth and quality of responses during the Q&A session.

Grading

The 7-point grading scale is used for the assessment.

The highest grade is 12, and corresponds to:
"an excellent performance displaying a high level of command of all aspects of the relevant material, with no or only a few minor weaknesses"
The minimum grade for passing the exam is 2, and corresponds to:
"a performance meeting only the minimum requirements for acceptance"