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Introduction to Photonics

Code: 100164
Credits: 5
2026/2027
Degree programme Type Course
Physics OP 3

Contact lecturer

Name :
Adam Valles Mari
Email :
adam.valles@uab.cat

Teaching staff

Axel Pérez-Obiol Castañeda

Group languages

You can consult this information at the end of the document.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites.

Objectives

The main objective of this subject is to study the technological applications of light emphasising the physical principles at the basis of the photonic systems. Specifically, we will study different light sources and detectors and the propagation of light in waveguides, photonic crystals, metamaterials and nonlinear media. We will also discuss some examples of light modulation.

Learning outcomes

  1. Communicate complex information in an effective, clear and concise manner, either orally, in writing or through ICTs, in front of both specialist and general publics.
  2. Use critical reasoning, show analytical skills, correctly use technical language and develop logical arguments
  3. Describe the different processes of light emission and detection.
  4. Describe the basic processes of light-matter interaction and the working principle of the laser.
  5. Based on the principles of optics, describe light propagation in optical fibres and waveguides, photonic crystals and nonlinear media.
  6. Describe the longitudinal, transverse and frequency modulation of light.
  7. Identify current social, environmental and economic challenges in photonics.
  8. Distinguish the industrial and scientific applications of lasers in areas such as medicine, biophotonics and metrology.
  9. Develop an understanding of the basics of the applications of light modulators in technological areas.
  10. Learn the basic principles of light propagation in periodic media.
  11. Develop an understanding of the general properties of metamaterials and their potential applications.
  12. Model laser emission using rate equations.
  13. Calculate the modes of optical waveguides or fibers and the coupling between waveguides.
  14. Characterize the second- and third-order nonlinear response of an optical medium.
  15. Work independently, take initiative itself, be able to organize to achieve results and to plan and execute a project.
  16. Identify situations in which a change or improvement is needed.
  17. Identify the social, economic and environmental implications of academic and professional activities within one's own area of knowledge.
  18. Explain the explicit or implicit code of practice of one's own area of knowledge.

Contents

1-Introduction


1.1-What is Photonics?


1.2-Fundamental features of light according to Ray Optics, Wave and Electromagnetic Optics and Quantum Optics.


1.3-Applications and basic research.


2-Light sources and detectors


2.1-Thermal emitters: Incandescence, Blackbody radiation, the Sun, incandescent lamps and halogen lamps.


2.2-Non thermal emitters: Luminescence. Discharge lamps. Light emitting diodes.


2.3-L.A.S.E.R. Active medium. Basic processes of light-matter interaction. Pumping mechanisms. Threshold population inversion. Amplification coefficient. Optical resonators. Properties and applications of laser light. Types of lasers.


2.4-Detectors. General features. Linearity. Sensitivity. Response speed. Types of detectors.


3-Light propagation


3.1-Waveguides. Dielectric planar waveguides. Bidimensional waveguides. Optical fibers. Curved waveguides. Coupling between waveguides. Integrated optical systems.


3.2-Periodic structures. Photonic crystals. Dimensionality. Band structure. Defects. Metamaterials.


3.3-Nonlinear media. Second order nonlinearity: parametric oscillation and second harmonic generation. Third order nonlinearity: Optical Kerr effect and four wave mixing.



Learning activities and methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Study of theory concepts 36 1.44 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Lectures (Theory classes) 27 1.08 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Exercises classes 14 0.56 2, 12, 13, 14
Preparation of activities to deliver 7 0.28 2
Study and preparation of the exercises 28 1.12 2, 12, 13, 14
Preparation of the oral presentation 7 0.28 2, 7, 8

The directed activities consist in lectures (classes of theory) and classes of exercises. 

In the lectures, the course contents will be discussed in detail always encouraging students participation by raising questions.

In the exercises classes, we will encourage the students to participate actively either asking questions or contributing to the resolution of the exercises during the class.

The required autonomous work of the student in this subject includes the study of theoretical concepts, the preparation and solution of exercises, the delivery of activities and the preparation of an oral presentation. This last activity will be done in group.

The materials for the theory and exercises classes will be posted in the UAB Campus Virtual of the subject.

 

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Assessment

Continuous assessment activities

Title Weight Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Deliveries 15% 0 0 2
First partial exam 35% 3 0.12 2, 3, 4, 12, 13
Retaking exam first partial 35% 0 0 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
Oral presentation 15% 0 0 1, 2, 7, 8, 15, 16, 17, 18
Retaking exam second partial 35% 0 0 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
Second partial exam 35% 3 0.12 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14

Continuous assessment

The final mark of the subject will be obtained as follows:

  • 35% : Mark of the first partial exam.
  • 35% : Mark of the second partial exam.
  • 15% : Mark of the activities to deliver.
  • 15% : Mark of the oral presentation.

In order to apply these percentages, the mark in each of the partial exams should be equal or above 3.5 from 10. If the mark of one or both partial exams is below 3.5, the student has to do a retaking exam of the part of the subject failed with mark below 3.5. If a student has passed the subject but he/she would like to improve the mark of the written exams, he/she can do a retaking exam and the final mark of the subject will be calculated using the percentages shown above with the mark obtained in the retaking exam. If a student does not attend any of the exams or only attends one of the partial exams and does not attend the retaking exam, his/her mark will be “No avaluable”.

Single assessment

Students who have opted for the single assessment mode will have to take a final test consisting of an exam of the contents of the first partial. Afterwards, they will have to do an exam of the contents of the second partial. In both exams they will have to solve some exercises similar to those that have been worked on in the exercises sessions and also other more theoretical questions. These tests will take place on the same day, time and place as the second partial exam of the continuous assessment modality.

The student's mark will be the weighted average of the two previous activities, where each of the exams account for 42,5% of the mark, and of the mark of the oral presentation, which will have been made during the course on the day established for all students, and which represents 15% of the mark.

If the mark of the final exam does not reach 3.5 (out of 10) or if the final mark of the subject does not reach 5 (out of10), the student has another opportunity to pass the subject by means of a retaking exam that will be held on the same day, time and place as the retaking exam of the continuous assessment modality. In this exam, 85% of the grade, corresponding to the final tests, can be recovered. The oral presentation is not recoverable.

Use of AI

For this subject, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is allowed exclusively in support tasks, such as bibliographic or information search, text correction or translations. The student will have to clearly identify which parts have been generated with this technology, specify the tools used and include a critical reflection on how these have influenced the process and the final result of the activity. The non-transparency of the use of AI in this evaluable activity will be considered lack of academic honesty and may lead to a partial or total penalty in the grade of the activity, or greater penalties in cases of severity.


Irregularities in assessment procedures

Any irregularity in an assessment procedure (academic fraud, plagiarism or misuse of AI) that could lead to a significant change in the mark will result in that assessment being marked as 0. Should the course syllabus stipulate that achieving a minimum mark in this assessment is an essential requirement for passing the module, or should multiple irregularities occur in the assessments for the same module, the final mark for that module will be 0. In addition to this, disciplinary proceedings may be brought against any student found to have committed any of these irregularities.

Bibliography

-B.E.A. Saleh & M.C. Teich, Fundamentals of Photonics, John Wiley & Sons, Inc (2007).

-R. Mentzel, Photonics: linear and nonlinear interactions of laser light and matter. Springer (2007).

-C.L. Chen, Foundations for guided-wave optics. John Wiley & Sons (2007).

-P.W. Milonni & J.H. Eberly, Lasers, John Wiley & Sons, Inc (1988).

-K. Shimoda, Introduction to Laser Physics, Springer (1986).

-O. Svelto, Principles of Lasers, 5th edition.Plenum Press (2010).

-J. D. Joannopoulos, S. G. Johnson, J. N. Winn, R. D. Meade, Photonic crystals. Molding the Flow of Light. Princeton University Press (2008).

-N. M. Litchintser, I. R. Gabitov, A. I. Maimistov, V. M. Shalaev, Negative Refractive Index Metamaterials in Optics, Progress in Optics 51, Chapter 1, pp 1-68 (2008).

-R. W. Boyd, Nonlinear Optics, Academic Press (2008).

-J. M. Cabrera, F. Agulló, F. J. López, Óptica Electromagnética: Materiales y aplicaciones, Addison Wesley Iberoamericana, Iberoamericana, 2a Ed. (1998).

Software

No specific software is required. 

Course groups and languages

The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE

Type of teaching Group Language Semester Shift
(TE) Theory 1 English second semester morning-mixed
(PAUL) Classroom practices 1 English second semester morning-mixed