OPTICS
Course objectives
The course aims to introduce the physics of light and electromagnetic waves and their technological application. Starting from Maxwell's equations, the course introduces electromagnetic waves and their solutions in terms of plane or spherical waves. Particular attention is given to the interpretation of the refractive index in a microscopic key, as an active and reactive interaction of the polarization dipoles with the electromagnetic field. This approach aims to explain the slowing down of light in media, giving the cultural tools to understand all linear and nonlinear interaction effects between light and materials. The course will therefore analyze the reflection and refraction of light and all associated phenomena, a fundamental part for understanding both how the different optical devices currently used (mirrors, lenses, complex optical systems, optical fibers) act. The course also introduces issues related to solar panels and the conversion of solar energy. The wavy aspects of light will be analyzed both in relation to interference and optical resonators, and in relation to diffraction, introducing the Huygens-Fresnel principle and its applications in the near and far fields. These studies will allow to introduce the basic concepts of nano-optics and associated simulation techniques. The final part of the course will introduce nonlinear materials and associated phenomena. The nonlinear view of the second and third order will be discussed. Particular attention will be paid to second order phenomena both of a catalytic nature (generation of second harmonic and generation of harmonic difference) and of refractive nature (Kerr effect and photorefractivity). By exploiting photorefractive nonlinearities it will be shown how neuromorphic circuits can be produced whose response has a similar behavior to biological neurons. These neural circuits are able to recognize optically coded information (machine learning) and memorize it (RAM and ROM memories). Neuromorphic circuits are the fundamental elements for building a hardware Photonic Artificial Intelligence.
Program - Frequency - Exams
Course program
Prerequisites
Books
Teaching mode
Frequency
Exam mode
Lesson mode
Program - Frequency - Exams
Course program
Prerequisites
Books
Teaching mode
Frequency
Exam mode
Lesson mode
- Lesson code1042012
- Academic year2025/2026
- CourseNanotechnology Engineering
- CurriculumNanotechnology Engineering
- Year1st year
- Semester2nd semester
- SSDFIS/01
- CFU6