Module description
Learning aims & outcomes
The aim of the course is to provide a comprehensive overview of theoretical and practical aspects of major modern photonic technologies with special emphasis on novel trends and applications of nanophotonics.
The students should be exposed to modern concepts in photonics, understand main physics principles behind modern photonic technologies, such as optical communications, nanophotonics, plasmonics, metamaterials, biosensing and bio-imaging and their applications in everyday life.
The successful student should be able to:
- Demonstrate comprehension of the concepts of photonics. Apply these concepts to a range of physical situations, solving simplified model problems
- Show the linking of the basic and advanced concepts within the above subject area
- Demonstrate problem formulation and solving (both numerical and symbolic), written and verbal communication skills, group work
Syllabus
- Summary of those aspects of quantum theory, optics and materials science as applied in photonics.
- A survey of the main types of photonic applications and concepts.
- Optical fibres and communication systems.
- Basic understanding of physics of subwavelength light manipulation (silicon photonics, photonic crystals, plasmonics, metamaterials).
- Modern applications of photonics (information processing, optical data storage, biophotonics and sensing, energy).
Assessment details
Details of the module's assessment/s
Assessment 1 - Four KEATS quizzes comprising 5% of the module each: 20%
Assessment 2 - Journal Club Group Presentations: 15%
May exam: 65%
Please note: - module assessment may be subject to change. If you have any questions, please contact ug-physics@kcl.ac.uk
Teaching pattern
Asynchronous recorded lectures (1 hour per week)
Synchronous flipped classroom (1 -2 hour per week)
Suggested reading list
- "Principles of Nano-Optics" L. Novotny and B. Hecht
- "Introduction to Nanophotonics" S.V. Gaponenko
- "Optical Fibre Communications" J.M. Seniour