Classical and quantum photonic transducers

Summary

This course gives an introduction to transducers by both considering fundamental principles and their application in classical and quantum systems. The course builds up on the fundamental concept of coupling of two subsystems as a mean to use one subsystem to extract information about the other.

Content

Keywords

transducers, electro-optic, quantum, classical, interconnects, interfaces, metrology, photonics, resonators, Bragg reflectors, coupling

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

This course requires an understanding of introductory physics in wave theory (including complex numbers, Maxwell equations, electromagnetism), photonic systems (dielectric interfaces, waveguides, gratings), nonlinear optics (second order and third order nonlinear susceptibility) as well as to notions in quantum mechanics (wave function, quantized energy levels, quantum state, operators). A brief revision of these concepts will be provided during the course to accomodate students coming from different backgrounds.

Recommended courses

Electromagnetism,

Photonic systems and technology,

Fundamentals of integrated photonic components,

Nonlinear optics,

Quantum mechanics.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

• Derive dynamics of transducers from rate equations: phase modulation, resonance shift, side-band creation, amplification
• Explain in detail the figures of merit of transducers and their relevance.
• Assess / Evaluate the limitations of various classes of transducers.
• Explain the working principles of various transducers.
• Reason hich physical quantities are relevant to the performance of certain transducers and why: coupling constant, overlap, frequency.
• Sketch generic geometries of different transducers.
• Generalize he concept of transducer.
• Elaborate where certain types of transducers are useful and why.

Transversal skills

• Communicate effectively with professionals from other disciplines.
• Make an oral presentation.

Teaching methods

Script will be made available.

Powerpoint presentation and recent papers from scientific literature will be used to discuss specific transducers.

Derivations will be performed at the blackboard.

Expected student activities

3 hours of class + 1 hour of exercise every week. The exercise classes will treat in detail selected examples of transducers from current literature, together with their theoretical derivation of dynamics and limits. Students will read research results from state-of-the-art literature independently and discuss it in class.

Assessment methods

The course grading is based on a final oral exam which counts for 80% of the grade and two quizzes/assessments during the semester which count for 20% of the grade.

Supervision

Resources

Bibliography

Selected chapters from:

Saleh, B. E. A., and M. C. Teich.: Fundamentals of Photonics.

Yariv, A.: Optical Electronics in Modern Communications.

Yariv, A.: Quantum Electronics.

Boyd, B.: Nonlinear optics.

Haus, H.A.: Waves and Fields in optoelectronics.

Hecht, E.: Optics.

Tannoudji, C.: Introduction to quantum mechanics.

Loudon, R.L.: The quantum theory of light.

Ressources en bibliothèque

• Introduction to quantum mechanics / Tannoudji
• Waves and Fields in optoelectronics / Haus
• Optics / Hecht
• Nonlinear optics / Boyd
• Quantum Electronics / Yariv
• Fundamentals of Photonics / Saleh, Teich
• Optical Electronics in Modern Communications / Yariv
• The quantum theory of light / Loudon

Moodle Link

• https://go.epfl.ch/MICRO-410