LFU:online

At the end of this course the students should

• have understood conceps of classical optics so that they can read related scientific literature,
• be able to differentiate between and know the limitations of the various regimes and various approximation of optics (ray optics, wave optics, electromagnetic and quatum optics)
• have understood the concept of photons as the quanta of light and their fundamental properties
• apply these foundations for qualitative and quantitative analysis of optical components

This course is going to start with some advanced concepts in classical optics, such as raytracing, Gaussian beams, diffraction theory, Fourier optics, dispersion, pulse propagation, polarisation optics, waveguides and photonic crystals. We then continue with the basic principles of quantum optics. We will apply the covered concepts to understand the functionality of a variety of optical elements and devices via numerical exercises. If time permits, we can dive a bit into nonlinear optics and/or photonic quantum information processing towards the end of the course.

Tablet-pc lecture, notes available on OLAT. Flipped-classroom elements with read-at-home materials to be interactively discussed during the course. Computer-based exercises and problem solving using numerical methods.

The final grade will be determined from a midterm homework and a semester project.

• B. E. A. Saleh and M. C. Teich, Fundamentals of Photonics, 3rd ed., Wiley 2019.
• D. Meschede, Optics, Light and Lasers, Wiley 2017
• C. C. Gerry and P. L. Knight, Introductory Quantum Optics, Cambridge (2005)

Recommended Bachelor courses: Electromagnetism and optics (@ UIBK: Physics 2, Theoretical Physics 3), Quantum mechanics

Basic programming skills are helpful: MATLAB will be used, but students may switch to platform of their choice.