Module – Photonics and Nanotechnology

FHEQ Level: Level 6 (Third Year)
Credits: 20
Module Code: tbc
Course Reference Number (CRN): 60695
Delivery: January Start, Trimester 2 (Short Fat)

Syllabus Outline

Photonics:
• Dispersion
• Electromagnetic Waves
• Dispersion and Diffraction
• Fourier Methods
• Fresnel Diffraction
• Nonlinear Optics
• Soliton Propagation
• Spontaneous Patterns

Nanotechnology:
• Photonic Applications of Transition Metal Doped Glasses
• Free Ion States of Transition Metals
• Crystal Field Theory and Tanabe-Sugano Diagrams
• Determining Transition Metal Oxidation State and Coordination using Tanabe-Sugano Analysis
• Material Size and Optical/Electrical Properties
• Thin Film Deposition: Vacuum evaporation, Vacuum sputtering, CVD
• Thin Film Industrial Applications
• 3D ‘Self-Assembled’ Photonic Structures

Assessment

Coursework: Assignment, 50%
Written: Examination, 2 hours, 50%
More detailed information may be found in the Assessments section.

Texts

Optics. E. Hecht (2016) Pearson.

Materials Science of Thin Films. Ohring, Milton, Elsevier Science & Technology

(both books are available as hard or electronic copy from the library).

Further updates and supplementary texts may be found in the University Reading Lists system.

Description

​You will learn about the interaction of electromagnetic waves and photons with non-linear materials and applications. In the nanotechnology element you will learn about applications of physics at the nanoscale including graphene, thin films, and quantum dots. The module is taught by a combination of lectures and problem solving tutorials.

Aims

1.To develop a knowledge and critical understanding in the areas Photonics and Nanotechnology including the origin and limitations of the associated laws.
2. To develop a knowledge and critical understanding of mathematical techniques associated with Photonics & Nanotechnology.
3. To develop analytical, numerical and computer based problem solving skills in the area of Photonics and Nanotechnology.

Knowledge & Understanding

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the laws and their origins in the area of Photonics and Nanotechnology.
2. Demonstrate competence in the specification of problems using the laws of physics applied to Photonics and Nanotechnology.
3. Demonstrate communication through written materials.

Learning, Teaching and Assessment

The module is taught through a combination of lectures and tutorial classes.

Interactive tutorial classes will prepare students for assessments through a series of problem-solving exercises with associated formative feedback.

Assignment – An extended problem-solving exercise requiring a description and justification of methodology used together with the use of analytical and computational means to provide final solutions and a critical evaluation of the solution obtained.

Exam – A series of questions demonstrating an understanding of the topic together with application to straightforward problems that can be solved using analytical means.