Introduction to Nano Optics (Summer School)

Introductory electromagnetic theory, quantum mechanics, integral and vector calculus, linear algebra.

The student will acquire knowledge on: 

• Light propagation in dispersive media and at interfaces
• Characterizing the optical response of free electrons in a metal
• Using the Boltzmann transport equation to describe electron motion in graphene
• Perturbation theory and its application to linear and nonlinear optics
• Examples in nonlinear optics: Harmonic generation and saturable absorption
• Bloch equations for few-level quantum systems
• Spontaneous emission of light from atomic systems

The student must be able to

• Calculate optical transmission and reflection coefficients of layered systems
• Calculate the plasmon dispersion relation of a metal surface
• Apply perturbation theory to describe the linear and nonlinear optical response of materials
• Derive Bloch equations describing classical electric fields interacting with two- or three-level atoms
• Determine the spontaneous emission rate of an atom in the presence of dielectric media

The student must be able to:

• Formulate and model interactions between light and nano-structured materials using quantum mechanics and classical electromagnetism

This course introduces tools used to model and understand the behavior of light in atoms and materials that are structured on small scales compared with the free-space optical wavelength; it is intended for students with a background in the physical sciences or engineering and a familiarity with basic quantum mechanics and electromagnetism.

• Maxwell’s equations in homogeneous media
• Drude model
• Boltzmann transport equation
• Perturbation theory
• Nonlinear optical phenomena
• Semi-classical quantum optics
• Point emitters—spontaneous emission

Lectures, problem solving, and laboratory exercises.

Enrollment is limited to 8 students. We welcome as many qualified students as possible. If the number of qualified external applicants exceeds course capacity, we select in the following order:   

• Undergraduate and graduate students from partner universities (exchange); international undergraduate and graduate guest students (fee-paying); undergraduate and graduate students from other Danish universities.  

• Ph.D students from partner universities and other international Ph.D. students; 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.