ECTS credits: 3

 

Course parameters:
Language: English

Level of course: PhD course

Time of year: Week 42, 16–20 October 2023

No. of contact hours/hours in total incl. preparation, assignment(s) or the like: 30 / 60

Capacity limits: none

Course fee: none

 

Objectives of the course:
The objective of the course is to acquaint the students with the principles of nonlinear optics, their use in photonic integrated circuits and the applications of this technology for telecommunication, spectroscopy and metrology.

It introduces the main nonlinear optical effects, related applications, and the material platforms available for photonic integration. It explores the physics of conversion between modes in waveguides. Finally, it applies numerical simulation software to solve design problems.

 

Learning outcomes and competences:
At the end of the course, the student should be able to:

• explain the main nonlinear optical effects and the main platforms for photonic integration that are available.
• make a design study, with a qualitative understanding of the required trade-offs and a quantitative knowledge of the typical component and/or circuit operation parameters.

 

Compulsory programme:
Active participation, submission of report with design study.

 

Course contents:
This course first introduces some fundamentals of light-matter interaction and the most important nonlinear optical effects. Then an overview of relevant photonic devices is presented, including lasers, waveguides and photodetectors. It is discussed how these photonic devices can be considered as building blocks that can be combined into a circuit and which material systems can be used for that.
Emphasis is put on the required trade-offs and the main differences between material systems. A Python-based simulation software is used to illustrate the concept of optical mode, and as a design tool to optimize device parameters to obtain efficient nonlinear processes (such as frequency conversion).

 

Prerequisites:
Optics, Fundamentals of Photonics, Electromagnetism

 

Name of lecturers:
Nicolas Volet

 

Type of course/teaching methods:
Lectures, seminars, and exercises

 

Literature:
Course booklets

 

Course homepage:
Under construction

 

Course assessment:
A project report with a design study

 

Provider:
Aarhus University and EPFL

 

Special comments on this course:
This course is available online or in person at EPFL.

 

Time:
Week 42, 16–20 October 2023

 

Place:
Aarhus

 

Course fee:
None

 

Registration:
For registration, please send an e-mail to Nicolas Volet, via: volet@ece.au.dk

Deadline for registration is 1 October 2023. Information regarding admission will be sent out no later than 3 October 2023.

If you have any questions, please contact Nicolas Volet, e-mail: volet@ece.au.dk