The course covers the physical principles underlying the operation of basic photonic components such as lasers, modulators, optical fibers and detectors and involving the generation, transmission, manipulation and detection of light.

Specifically, the course covers the following topics:

• Electromagnetic optics
• Beam optics
• Guided-wave optics
• Coupled mode theory
• Optics of periodic systems
• Resonator optics
• Acousto-optics
• Electro-optics
• Nonlinear optics
• Ultrafast optics
• Generation and detection of light

After completing the course, the student should be able to

• explain the physical principles underlying the generation, transmission, manipulation and detection of light.
• choose, derive and apply suitable models to predict and analyze the response of basic photonic components such as optical waveguides, resonators, modulators, frequency converters and switches, optical sources and detectors.
• identify and critically discuss the limits of validity and applicability of the different models.
• perform basic measurements through hands-on work in a photonic lab.
• analyze and present data acquired using lab instruments and generated by simulations.
• be able to solve with the necessary literature practical and theoretical problems within the field of photonics.

The course learning activities consist of: teacher-led classes and lectures, labs, pre-lecture quizzes for flipped class and home assignments.

Lectures

The course consists of a total of 12 lectures, taught by Katia Gallo (KG) and Max Yan (MY), in addition to the course introduction. By default (unless otherwise indicated by the teacher) all lecture classes will take place online, with meetings on zoom and material on CANVAS. 

Flipped classroom. For some of the lectures, the course will adopt a new lecture concept, which goes by the name of 'Flipped classroom'. Conventional lectures will be replaced with student preparations prior to the classes (with reading material and/or videos posted on CANVAS) and activities (quizzes, discussion and problem solving) to be undertaken during the class. The online classes (on zoom) with the teacher (KG) will be used for feedback and interaction on the course topics (and their difficulties). During such scheduled 'lectures' we will address questions related to the lecture topics with online quizzes (with mentimeters), discuss trickier concepts which might require further clarification and - if time allows - solve together more complex (exam-type) problems, instead of you having to do that on your own. 

Nevertheless, for this to work it is of paramount importance that you have studied the assigned material before the zoom-lecture.

Bonus points. Attendance and active participation to each flipped classroom lecture will give you 0.1 bonus points that will count towards the final grade.

Pre-lecture Assignments

You will be provided with a list of reading / video-watching assignments in preparation of each lecture. 

Quizzes

Quizzes in class will be implemented with mentimeters. Fior that you'll need a mobile phone at hand during the zoom class session.

Home assignments

A total of six problem tasks will be distributed as home assignments during the course via the CANVAS assignment pages. For each problem you will get max 1.0 points. There will be three home assignment sets, each consisting of two problems and you'll have more than three weeks to hand-in your solutions. Work and discussion in groups is allowed during that time, but you'll have to hand in your solutions individually, by the given deadline (specified in CANVAS). In case of late hand-in, points will be further deducted from you solution score, according to the rules specified in the course.

Labs

The learnign activities of the course comprise also two labs. Lab 1 concerns the simulation of optical devices using COMSOL. Lab 2 concerns actual experiments (in groups of 2-3 people) in the nonlinear quantum photonics lab using a supercontinuum light source. For both cases you'll find preparation material and further instructions in CANVAS prior to the actual lab session.

Schema HT-2021-218

Material distributed during the course and available on CANVAS. Additional useful textbooks (also older editions are OK):

• B.E. A. Saleh and M. C. Tech, "Fundamentals of Photonics"
• A.Yariv and P. Yeh,  "Photonics: optical electronics in modern communications"

A computer with COMSOL for the Simulations Lab (Lab 1). Your mobile (to access Mentimeter quizzes) for the Flipped Classroom sessions.

COMSOL for Lab 1 (simulations)

Matlab and COMSOL may be useful for solving the home assignements

Students at KTH with a permanent disability can get support during studies from Funka:

Funka - compensatory support for students with disabilities

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

• INL1 - Assignments, 2.5 credits, Grading scale: P, F
• LAB1 - Laboratory work, 1.0 credits, Grading scale: P, F
• TEN1 - Examination, 4.0 credits, Grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

The examiner, in consultation with the KTH Disability Coordinator (Funka), decides on any adapted examination for students with documented permanent impairment. The examiner may grant another examination form for reexamination of single students.

Assignments ( INL1 )

The grade is Pass/Fail. To pass you'll need to have gained at least 3.0 points (over the maximum value of 6.0 points) by solving the problem tasks distributed in the course. The correct solution of one problem task gives max 1.0 points.

Laboratory work ( LAB1 )

The grade is Pass/Fail. To pass you'll need to have taken both labs (simulations and supercontinuum), handed in a written report and got a pass grade on it. 

Examination ( TEN1 )

The grade is A-F and is determined by the total of points gained by:

• solving the home assignments (max 6 points)
• taking the final oral exam (max 4 points)

To pass the course you'll need to have gained a total of at least 5 points. The grades A-E are determined by a scale detailed in CANVAS, based on the total amount of points gained via the home assignment and the final exam.

The course is examined by written exam (TEN1; 4 credits, grade scale A / B / C / D / E / Fx / F), as well as approved assignments (INL1; 2.5 credits, grade scale P / F) and laboratory work (LAB1; 1, 0 credits, grade scale P / F). The rating on TEN1 determines the grade on the course.

You can complete the requirements for the final exam via a supplementary examination to upgrade an Fx mark to passed (E grade). 

Yes

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.