Introduction to Nanophotonics and Quantum Materials (Summer School)

Academic Study Board of the Faculty of Engineering

Teaching language: English
EKA: T920023102
Censorship: Second examiner: Internal
Grading: 7-point grading scale
Offered in: Odense
Offered in: Summer school (spring)
Level: Bachelor

Course ID: T920023101
ECTS value: 5

Date of Approval: 18-11-2025


Duration: Intensive course

Version: Approved - active

Mandatory prerequisites

Two years of studies at university level (equivalent to 120 ECTS) within a relevant field of study, before the summer school starts. 

Content

This course provides an introduction to the theoretical and computational tools used to model and understand the behavior of light in atoms, quantum systems, and materials structured on nanometric scales—comparable to or smaller than the free-space optical wavelength. The course bridges electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and quantum optics, highlighting how these frameworks converge in modern photonics and nano-optics.

Topics include:

  • Maxwell’s equations in homogeneous and structured media.
  • The Drude model of free-electron dynamics.
  • The Boltzmann transport equation.
  • Quantum mechanical perturbation theory.
  • Nonlinear optical phenomena—controlling light by light itself.
  • Semi-classical quantum optics and light–matter interactions.
  • Electromagnetic field behavior in the near- and far-field; microscopy and wave propagation.
  • Experimental techniques in nano- and quantum optics.

Recommended prerequisites

Familiarity with introductory electromagnetic theory, integral and vector calculus, linear algebra, and introductory quantum mechanics.

Learning objectives - Knowledge

The student will acquire knowledge of:

  • Light propagation in dispersive and nanostructured media.
  • The optical response of free and bound electrons in metals and semiconductors.
  • Optoelectronic and plasmonic properties of atomically thin quantum materials such as graphene.
  • Perturbation theory and its application to linear and nonlinear optics.
  • Light–matter interactions in few-level quantum systems (e.g., atoms, quantum wells, or quantum dots).
  • Spontaneous emission and radiative processes in quantum systems.
  • Emerging quantum and nanophotonic technologies.

Learning objectives - Skills

The student will be able to:

  • Calculate optical transmission and reflection coefficients of layered or atomically thin systems.
  • Determine the polariton dispersion relations of metal films or two-dimensional materials.
  • Apply perturbation theory to describe the linear and nonlinear optical response of quantum and classical systems.
  • Derive and solve the optical Bloch equations for light interacting with two- or three-level atoms.
  • Compute the spontaneous emission rate of atoms or quantum light emitters in complex dielectric or plasmonic environments.
  • Utilize advanced experimental tools such as scanning near-field optical microscopy and cathodoluminescence spectroscopy.

Learning objectives - Competences

The student will be able to:

  • Formulate, model, and interpret light–matter interactions in nanoscale systems using the principles of quantum mechanics and classical electromagnetism.
  • Connect theoretical predictions from quantum optics with experimental nano-optics measurements.

Teaching Method

Lectures, problem-solving sessions, and laboratory exercises.

Time of classes:
Two weeks in August

Examination regulations

Exam regulations

Examination is held

At the end of the course.

Tests

Exam

EKA

T920023102

Description

The examination is based on an overall assessment of
  • Attendance (80 %)
  • Project report
  • Oral exam based on the project report

Form of examination

Combined test

Censorship

Second examiner: Internal

Grading

7-point grading scale

Identification

Student Identification Card - Date of birth

Language

English

ECTS value

5

Additional exam information

The form of examination in the re-examination is the same as in the ordinary examination except the requirement of 80% attendance which is removed. 

Course Responsible

Name Email Department
Jonas Beermann Kristiansen job@mci.sdu.dk Mads Clausen Instituttet (MCI)
Pia Friis Kristensen piakr@tek.sdu.dk TEK Uddannelseskoordinering og -support

Teachers

Name Email Department City
Joel Cox cox@mci.sdu.dk Center for Polariton-driven Light-Matter Interactions (POLIMA)

Programme Secretary

Name Email Department City
Mette Ranmar mett@tek.sdu.dk TEK Uddannelse

Internal Course Code

SXT-INQM

Offered in

Odense

URL for Skemaplan

Number of lessons

hours per week

Additional information

Enrollment is limited to 8 students. 

If more applicants than places, applicants who meet the mandatory requirements are prioritized according to the below selection criteria: 

  1. Undergraduate and graduate students from partner universities (exchange); international undergraduates and graduate guest students (fee-paying); undergraduate and graduate students from other Danish universities
  2. Ph.D students from partner universities and other international Ph.D. students
  3. Other applicants


Students are prioritized on a first come, first served basis, i.e. according to the time we receive your complete application. 

In case a course is filled up, we try to offer you an alternative course from your list of priorities. All final decisions about admission will be sent out continually.   

This course is identical with T920001101 Nonlinear and Quantum Nanophotonics (Summer School), T920013101 Introduction to Nano Optics (Summer School), T960003101 Introduction to Nano Optics (Summer School) and T920018101 Introduction to Nano Optics (Summer School). Any used examination attempts will be transferred. 

Administrative Unit

Mads Clausen Instituttet

Date of Approval

18-11-2025

Courses offered

Offer period Offer type Profile Education Semester

Studieforløb

Profile Education Semester Offer period