6 ECTS credits
160 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4020323ENR for all students in the 1st semester at a (E) Master - advanced level.
Microphotonics studies the propagation of light within complex structures, featuring dimensions of the order of the wavelength of light or even smaller, including thin films, waveguides, gratings, microlenses etc. The understanding of the behaviour of light propagation within these components (and its interaction with materials) is used to describe variety of photonic components and systems, while paving the way towards a opening up a wealth of applications.
Following topics will be discussed in-detail during the course:
• Thin films; transfermatrices
• Fourier optics and spatial filtering
• Propagation and diffraction of light
• Refractive and diffractive micro-optics
• Dielectric waveguides
• Characterisation of micro-optical components
• Micro-photonic systems
• Optical measurement systems and techniques
This course module is part of the Interuniversity Master of Science in Photonics Engineering. It is very similar to the course module on Microphotonics taught at the university of Gent by A. Curto and D. Van Tourhout. Although the end competences are identical, some details of the lectures do differ, simply because the students have another background. Common lecture notes between UGent and VUB are used. Moreover supplementary copies of the slides are available.
The course is composed of theory lectures, exercises, and CAD simulations sessions. Compulsory attendance is required for the CAD sessions.
Complementary study material:
J.W. Goodman: Introduction to Fourier optics, McGrawHill, 1996
K. Iizuka: Engineering Optics, Springer Verlag, 1987
S. Sinzinger and J. Jahns: Micro-optics, Wiley-VCH, 2003
N. Borrelli; Micro-optics technology: fabrication and applications of lens arrays and devices, M. Dekker, 1999
D. Goldstein: Polarized light, M. Dekker, 2003
This course contributes to the general competences of the Master of Science in Photonics Engineering. In the field of photonics, more and more microscopic components are being used, therefore understanding their properties is essential for understanding photonic applications and designing your own components.
The following learning outcomes are targeted:
• The students are able to describe, calculate and simulate the properties of optical thin films.
• The students are able to describe light propagation in the Fourier space, creating "modern" techniques of light manipulation such as: optical filtering, pattern recognition, diffractive / holographic optical components.
• The students are able to describe, calculate and simulate light propagation in waveguides.
• The students can describe, calculate and simulate light interaction with optical periodic structures.
• The students have insight in the diffraction and interference properties of light and can independently evaluate their simulated properties.
• The students have insight into different fabrication and characterization techniques for refractive and diffractive micro-optical components.
• The students can design and evaluate different micro-photonic systems, can select and apply the proper models, methods and techniques.
• The students are able to use Apply Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) tools and sophisticated calculation and communication instruments in a creative and target-oriented way and are able to design and test complex photonic components and systems.
• The students understand the properties of the most important optical materials.
• The students are acquainted with the recent innovation trends in the domain of photonics.
• The students have knowledge of the most important application areas of photonic materials, components and systems.
• The students can perform research by means of scientific literature, understands the context of technical or scientific papers in the field of photonics and can further investigate unclear parts independently.
• The students can develop and validate mathematical models and methods.
• The students can reflect on their own way of thinking and acting and be aware of the own expertise.
• The students have the ability to talk about field of specialisation, also in English.
• The students are acquainted with project planning: ability to formulate objectives, report efficiently, keep track of end-goals and progress of the project.
• The students are able to report on technical or scientific subjects orally, in writing and in graphics.
• The students show to function as a member of an international team, act in an ethical, professional and social way.
• The students master the complexity of technical systems by the use of system- and process models.
• The students can reconcile conflicting specifications and boundary conditions and transform them into high-quality, innovative concepts or processes, is able to transform incomplete, contradictory or redundant data into useful information.
• The students dispose in-depth knowledge and comprehension allowing to control the results of complex calculations or make approximate estimates.
• The students can use photonic components and systems accurately.
• The students are able to select the most appropriate design and test methods, including CAD methods, for photonic components and systems, understand their theoretical background and apply them accurately.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 60% of the final mark.
Practical Exam determines 40% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the Practical Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 60% of the final mark.
Practical Exam determines 40% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following 2 assignments need to be completed:
(1) Oral theory exam with a weight of 40% of the final mark.
Note: The students will be questioned about their knowledge, insight and skills of the course. They are given time to prepare their answers. These are open questions, without using book or course.
(2) Oral discussion of a micro-optical system, with a weight of 20% of the final mark
Note: The students are being asked to discuss a micro-optical system in detail in a report. They need to use the food chain, which is used during the lecture. The report needs to be handed in with the course titular 10 calendar days before the exam and will be discussed and defended by the student at the oral exam. Too late submission will result in a penalty of -10% / day.
Within the Practical Exam category, the following 2 assignments need to be completed:
(1) CAD reports, with a weight of 10% of the final mark
Note: There will be a number of class sessions during which the students will work in groups to study various design problems. After each CAD session a detailed report should be handed in explaining the study, goals and detailed design process with conclusions. Attitude in the sessions and quality of the reports will be used to grade the student. Too late submission will result in a penalty of -10%/day.
(2) CAD exam session, with a weight of 30% of the final mark
Note: Open book CAD exam, where the students are required to simulate the performance and operation of an optical system using CAD simulation tools. This is a written exam, where the students are evaluated on the simulation file, the simulation results and the provided interpretation.
For each of the subparts, considered within the Oral Exam and the Practical Exam, the students need to achieve a minimum of 8/20. In case this condition is not fulfilled, a maximum total score of 8/20 can be achieved.
The achieved marks for one or multiple of the subparts can be transferred to the second examination period, or to the next academic year, in case a minimum of 10/20 was achieved for that subpart.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Photonics Engineering: On campus traject
Master of Photonics Engineering: Online/Digital traject
Master of Biomedical Engineering: Startplan
Master of Biomedical Engineering: Profile Radiation Physics
Master of Biomedical Engineering: Profile Biomechanics and Biomaterials
Master of Biomedical Engineering: Profile Sensors and Medical Devices
Master of Biomedical Engineering: Profile Neuro-Engineering
Master of Biomedical Engineering: Standaard traject (NIEUW)
Master of Biomedical Engineering: Profile Artificial intelligence and Digital Health