ECTS - University of Pisa
Il corso si pone l'obiettivo di illustrare e analizzare i principi fisici di funzionamento di dispositivi e componenti utilizzati comunemente in molteplici applicazioni della fotonica e dell'opto-elettronica.
The student who successfully completes the course will be able to understand the physics underlying the operation of the most common semiconductor / solid-state photonic components; will have the capability to use that knowledge for investigating novel device concepts and materials; will be aware of the current research frontiers in this field.
The student will be assessed on his/her demonstrated ability to discuss the main course contents using the appropriate terminology. He/ she will be asked to demonstrate the ability to approach a circumscribed new research problem putting into practice, with critical awareness, the concepts and ideas learned during the course.
Methods:
At the end of the course the student will be able to understand the operating concepts of the most important photonic devices; he/she will able to critically examine new ideas and implementations appearing in the scientific literature, will have the necessary physics background to tackle the electromagnetic and electronic simulation of photonic devices as well as sufficient materials knowledge to learn their practical fabrication, will know which parameters and how should be tested to assess device performance.
The course features an interactive approach in which students are involved in discussions with the teacher, also concerning new results appearing in the scientific literature. Basic excersises / questions are an integral part of the lessons to verify the degree of comprehension.
The student will learn the relevance and impact of physics in the development and applications of photonics devices. He/she should be able to conduct independentely a research project in the field.
Impressions on the the attendance to the Photonics Conference, discussions on the seminars, choice of the exam topics will be used to verify the level of progress reached.
A general knowledge of quantum mechanics is required to successfully follow the course. An at least basic exposure to solid state physics (energy bands, phonons, etc.) is highly recommended.
Laser physics courses can be followed in parallel and are beneficial.
N/A
Delivery: face to face
Learning activities:
Attendance: Advised
Teaching methods:
Una frazione rilevante del corso è dedicata alle sorgenti laser a semiconduttore e stato-solido; vengono inoltre studiati rivelatori, sistemi basati sull'ottica non-lineare, amplificatori, modulatori. Un'ultima parte è dedicata invece a materiali (ad es. grafene), tecniche (ad es. cooling ottico) ed effetti (ad. es controllo dell'emissione spontanea e polaritoni) di attualità scientifica e grande potenziale innovativo.
Brief introduction to the physics of semiconductors and of semiconductor heterostructures. Optical properties of bulk, quantum wells. Gain in semiconductors and semiconductor lasers. Zero-dimensional systems. Non-linear optics: effects and devices. Microcavities and polariton physics. Exciton condensation. Graphene and its photonic applications. Photodetectors.
Amnon Yariv, "Optical Electronics in Modern Communications" - Oxford University Press 1997
Recommended reading includes: A. Yariv - Optical Electronics in Modern Communications. Further bibliography will be indicated during the course
A series of course notes taken by previous students, together with lesson slides, is available to complement the bibliographical material.
Esame orale, in parte a seminario su una tematica di ricerca attuale e di rilievo per il corso.
The exam is oral and is usually constituted by two seminars on recent relevant literature of the field. The two topics of the seminar are typically one on semiconductor devices, the other on solid-state lasers. During the seminar, constant questioning is perfromed to assess the depth of understanding of the reported work and the capability to put it in the context of the course teachings.
The course offers the possibility to attend the annual Italian Photonics Conference, where the students can be exposed to academic and indsutrial research ongoing in the field, as well as get a feeling of job opportunities in the photonics business.
