Syllabus academic year 2011/2012
(Created 2011-09-01.)
Credits: 7,5. Grading scale: TH. Cycle: A (Second Cycle). Main field: Technology. Language of instruction: The course might be given in English. Optional for: E4, E4f, E4hn, F4, F4f, F4hn, F4nf, MFOT1, MNAV1, N4hn, N4nf. Course coordinator: Dan Hessman,, Department of Physics. Recommended prerequisits: FFF021 Semiconductor Physics. Assessment: Written examination and completed laboratory work. Home page:

The course will provide a platform both for the selection of suitable devices for various optoelectronic applications and for the development of next generation devices. In order to achieve this, the course will emphasize the underlying physics as well as how performance is affected by device design and materials properties.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

be able to explain how light and electrons interact in semiconductors

be able to explain concepts such as surface plasmons, photonic band gaps and microcavities

be able to explain the design and the resulting function of different types of LEDs, diode lasers, detectors and camera chips

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

be able to select appropriate light sources and detectors for various optoelectronic applications.

be able to calculate the performance of optical detectors

be able to assimilate and integrate knowledge of scientific literature in the field.

Optical processes in semiconductors, materials properties, charge carrier dynamics

Quantum structures, microcavities, photonic band gaps, surface plasmons

Light emitting devices: LEDs and laser diodes

Light-absorbing devices: detectors, camera chips and solar cells

Fundamental of Photonics
Wiley Series in Pure and Applied Optics, John Wiley & sons, inc.
Lecture notes and scientific articles