Search result: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2021

Quantum Engineering Master Information
Electives
This is a selection of courses particularly suitable for the MSc QE. In agreement with the tutor, students may choose other courses from the ETH course catalogue.
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
227-0111-00LCommunication Electronics
Does not take place this semester.
W6 credits2V + 2Uto be announced
AbstractElectronics for communications systems, with emphasis on realization. Low noise amplifiers, modulators and demodulators, transmit amplifiers and oscillators are discussed in the context of wireless communications. Wireless receiver, transmitter and frequency synthesizer will be described. Importance of and trade offs among sensitivity, linearity and selectivity are discussed extensively.
ObjectiveFoundation course for understanding modern electronic circuits for communication applications. We learn how theoretical communications principles are reduced to practice using transistors, switches, inductors, capacitors and resistors. The harsh environment such communication electronics will be exposed to and the resulting requirements on the sensitivity, linearity and selectivity help explain the design trade offs encountered in every circuit block found in a modern transceiver.
ContentAccounting for more than two trillion dollars per year, communications is one of the most important drivers for advanced economies of our time. Wired networks have been a key enabler to the internet age and the proliferation of search engines, social networks and electronic commerce, whereas wireless communications, cellular networks in particular, have liberated people and increased productivity in developed and developing nations alike. Integrated circuits that make such communications devices light weight and affordable have played a key role in the proliferation of communications.
This course introduces our students to the key components that realize the tangible products in electronic form. We begin with an introduction to wireless communications, and describe the harsh environment in which a transceiver has to work reliably. In this context we highlight the importance of sensitivity or low noise, linearity, selectivity, power consumption and cost, that are all vital to a competitive device in such applications.
We shall review bipolar and MOS devices from a designer's prospectives, before discussing basic amplifier structures - common emitter/source, common base/gate configurations, their noise performance and linearity, impedance matching, and many other things one needs to know about a low noise amplifier.
We will discuss modulation, and the mixer that enables its implementation. Noise and linearity form an inseparable part of the discussion of its design, but we also introduce the concept of quadrature demodulator, image rejection, and the effects of mismatch on performance.
When mixers are used as a modulator the signals they receive are usually large and the natural linearity of transistors becomes insufficient. The concept of feedback will be introduced and its function as an improver of linearity studied in detail.
Amplifiers in the transmit path are necessary to boost the power level before the signal leaves an integrated circuit to drive an even more powerful amplifier (PA) off chip. Linearized pre-amplifiers will be studied as part of the transmitter.
A crucial part of a mobile transceiver terminal is the generation of local oscillator signals at the desired frequencies that are required for modulation and demodulation. Oscillators will be studied, starting from stability criteria of an electronic system, then leading to criteria for controlled instability or oscillation. Oscillator design will be discussed in detail, including that of crystal controlled oscillators which provide accurate time base.
An introduction to phase-locked loops will be made, illustrating how it links a variable frequency oscillator to a very stable fixed frequency crystal oscillator, and how phase detector, charge pump and programmable dividers all serve to realize an agile frequency synthesizer that is very stable in each frequency synthesized.
Lecture notesScript is available online under Link
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course Analog Integrated Circuits is recommended as preparation for this course.
227-0104-00LCommunication and Detection Theory Information W6 credits4GA. Lapidoth
AbstractThis course teaches the foundations of modern digital communications and detection theory. Topics include the geometry of the space of energy-limited signals; the baseband representation of passband signals, spectral efficiency and the Nyquist Criterion; the power and power spectral density of PAM and QAM; hypothesis testing; Gaussian stochastic processes; and detection in white Gaussian noise.
ObjectiveThis is an introductory class to the field of wired and wireless communication. It offers a glimpse at classical analog modulation (AM, FM), but mainly focuses on aspects of modern digital communication, including modulation schemes, spectral efficiency, power budget analysis, block and convolu- tional codes, receiver design, and multi- accessing schemes such as TDMA, FDMA and Spread Spectrum.
Content- Baseband representation of passband signals.
- Bandwidth and inner products in baseband and passband.
- The geometry of the space of energy-limited signals.
- The Sampling Theorem as an orthonormal expansion.
- Sampling passband signals.
- Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM): energy, power, and power spectral density.
- Nyquist Pulses.
- Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM).
- Hypothesis testing.
- The Bhattacharyya Bound.
- The multivariate Gaussian distribution
- Gaussian stochastic processes.
- Detection in white Gaussian noise.
Lecture notesn/a
LiteratureA. Lapidoth, A Foundation in Digital Communication, Cambridge University Press, 2nd edition (2017)
227-0125-00LOptics and PhotonicsW6 credits2V + 2UJ. Leuthold
AbstractThis lecture covers both - the fundamentals of "Optics" such as e.g. "ray optics", "coherence", the "Planck law" or the "Einstein relations" but also the fundamentals of "Photonics" on the generation, processing, transmission and detection of photons.
ObjectiveA sound base for work in the field of optics and photonics will be given.
ContentChapter 1: Ray Optics
Chapter 2: Electromagnetic Optics
Chapter 3: Polarization
Chapter 4: Coherence and Interference
Chapter 5: Fourier Optics and Diffraction
Chapter 6: Guided Wave Optics
Chapter 7: Optical Fibers
Chapter 8: The Laser
Lecture notesLecture notes will be handed out.
Prerequisites / NoticeFundamentals of Electromagnetic Fields (Maxwell Equations) & Bachelor Lectures on Physics.
227-0147-00LVLSI II: Design of Very Large Scale Integration Circuits Information W6 credits5GF. K. Gürkaynak, L. Benini
AbstractThis second course in our VLSI series is concerned with how to turn digital circuit netlists into safe, testable and manufacturable mask layout, taking into account various parasitic effects. Low-power circuit design is another important topic. Economic aspects and management issues of VLSI projects round off the course.
ObjectiveKnow how to design digital VLSI circuits that are safe, testable, durable, and make economic sense.
ContentThe second course begins with a thorough discussion of various technical aspects at the circuit and layout level before moving on to economic issues of VLSI. Topics include:
- The difficulties of finding fabrication defects in large VLSI chips.
- How to make integrated circuit testable (design for test).
- Synchronous clocking disciplines compared, clock skew, clock distribution, input/output timing.
- Synchronization and metastability.
- CMOS transistor-level circuits of gates, flip-flops and random access memories.
- Sinks of energy in CMOS circuits.
- Power estimation and low-power design.
- Current research in low-energy computing.
- Layout parasitics, interconnect delay, static timing analysis.
- Switching currents, ground bounce, IR-drop, power distribution.
- Floorplanning, chip assembly, packaging.
- Layout design at the mask level, physical design verification.
- Electromigration, electrostatic discharge, and latch-up.
- Models of industrial cooperation in microelectronics.
- The caveats of virtual components.
- The cost structures of ASIC development and manufacturing.
- Market requirements, decision criteria, and case studies.
- Yield models.
- Avenues to low-volume fabrication.
- Marketing considerations and case studies.
- Management of VLSI projects.

Exercises are concerned with back-end design (floorplanning, placement, routing, clock and power distribution, layout verification). Industrial CAD tools are being used.
Lecture notesH. Kaeslin: "Top-Down Digital VLSI Design, from Gate-Level Circuits to CMOS Fabrication", Lecture Notes Vol.2 , 2015.

All written documents in English.
LiteratureH. Kaeslin: "Top-Down Digital VLSI Design, from Architectures to Gate-Level Circuits and FPGAs", Elsevier, 2014, ISBN 9780128007303.
Prerequisites / NoticeHighlight:
Students are offered the opportunity to design a circuit of their own which then gets actually fabricated as a microchip! Students who elect to participate in this program register for a term project at the Integrated Systems Laboratory in parallel to attending the VLSI II course.

Prerequisites:
"VLSI I: from Architectures to Very Large Scale Integration Circuits and FPGAs" or equivalent knowledge.

Further details:
Link
227-0216-00LControl Systems II Information W6 credits4GR. Smith
AbstractIntroduction to basic and advanced concepts of modern feedback control.
ObjectiveIntroduction to basic and advanced concepts of modern feedback control.
ContentThis course is designed as a direct continuation of the course "Regelsysteme" (Control Systems). The primary goal is to further familiarize students with various dynamic phenomena and their implications for the analysis and design of feedback controllers. Simplifying assumptions on the underlying plant that were made in the course "Regelsysteme" are relaxed, and advanced concepts and techniques that allow the treatment of typical industrial control problems are presented. Topics include control of systems with multiple inputs and outputs, control of uncertain systems (robustness issues), limits of achievable performance, and controller implementation issues.
Lecture notesThe slides of the lecture are available to download.
LiteratureSkogestad, Postlethwaite: Multivariable Feedback Control - Analysis and Design. Second Edition. John Wiley, 2005.
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites:
Control Systems or equivalent
227-0427-10LAdvanced Signal Analysis, Modeling, and Machine Learning Information W6 credits4GH.‑A. Loeliger
AbstractThe course develops a selection of topics pivoting around graphical models (factor graphs), state space methods, sparsity, and pertinent algorithms.
ObjectiveThe course develops a selection of topics pivoting around factor graphs, state space methods, and pertinent algorithms:
- factor graphs and message passing algorithms
- hidden-​Markov models
- linear state space models, Kalman filtering, and recursive least squares
- Gaussian message passing
- Gibbs sampling, particle filter
- recursive local polynomial fitting & applications
- parameter learning by expectation maximization
- sparsity and spikes
- binary control and digital-​to-analog conversion
- duality and factor graph transforms
Lecture notesLecture notes
Prerequisites / NoticeSolid mathematical foundations (especially in probability, estimation, and linear algebra) as provided by the course "Introduction to Estimation and Machine Learning".
227-0434-10LMathematics of Information Information W8 credits3V + 2U + 2AH. Bölcskei
AbstractThe class focuses on mathematical aspects of

1. Information science: Sampling theorems, frame theory, compressed sensing, sparsity, super-resolution, spectrum-blind sampling, subspace algorithms, dimensionality reduction

2. Learning theory: Approximation theory, greedy algorithms, uniform laws of large numbers, Rademacher complexity, Vapnik-Chervonenkis dimension
ObjectiveThe aim of the class is to familiarize the students with the most commonly used mathematical theories in data science, high-dimensional data analysis, and learning theory. The class consists of the lecture, exercise sessions with homework problems, and of a research project, which can be carried out either individually or in groups. The research project consists of either 1. software development for the solution of a practical signal processing or machine learning problem or 2. the analysis of a research paper or 3. a theoretical research problem of suitable complexity. Students are welcome to propose their own project at the beginning of the semester. The outcomes of all projects have to be presented to the entire class at the end of the semester.
ContentMathematics of Information

1. Signal representations: Frame theory, wavelets, Gabor expansions, sampling theorems, density theorems

2. Sparsity and compressed sensing: Sparse linear models, uncertainty relations in sparse signal recovery, super-resolution, spectrum-blind sampling, subspace algorithms (ESPRIT), estimation in the high-dimensional noisy case, Lasso

3. Dimensionality reduction: Random projections, the Johnson-Lindenstrauss Lemma

Mathematics of Learning

4. Approximation theory: Nonlinear approximation theory, best M-term approximation, greedy algorithms, fundamental limits on compressibility of signal classes, Kolmogorov-Tikhomirov epsilon-entropy of signal classes, optimal compression of signal classes

5. Uniform laws of large numbers: Rademacher complexity, Vapnik-Chervonenkis dimension, classes with polynomial discrimination
Lecture notesDetailed lecture notes will be provided at the beginning of the semester.
Prerequisites / NoticeThis course is aimed at students with a background in basic linear algebra, analysis, statistics, and probability.

We encourage students who are interested in mathematical data science to take both this course and "401-4944-20L Mathematics of Data Science" by Prof. A. Bandeira. The two courses are designed to be complementary.

H. Bölcskei and A. Bandeira
151-0966-00LIntroduction to Quantum Mechanics for EngineersW4 credits2V + 2UD. J. Norris
AbstractThis course provides fundamental knowledge in the principles of quantum mechanics and connects it to applications in engineering.
ObjectiveTo work effectively in many areas of modern engineering, such as renewable energy and nanotechnology, students must possess a basic understanding of quantum mechanics. The aim of this course is to provide this knowledge while making connections to applications of relevancy to engineers. After completing this course, students will understand the basic postulates of quantum mechanics and be able to apply mathematical methods for solving various problems including atoms, molecules, and solids. Additional examples from engineering disciplines will also be integrated.
ContentFundamentals of Quantum Mechanics
- Historical Perspective
- Schrödinger Equation
- Postulates of Quantum Mechanics
- Operators
- Harmonic Oscillator
- Hydrogen atom
- Multielectron Atoms
- Crystalline Systems
- Spectroscopy
- Approximation Methods
- Applications in Engineering
Lecture notesClass Notes and Handouts
LiteratureText: David J. Griffiths and Darrell F. Schroeter, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, 3rd Edition, Cambridge University Press.
Prerequisites / NoticeAnalysis III, Mechanics III, Physics I, Linear Algebra II
252-0220-00LIntroduction to Machine Learning Information Restricted registration - show details
Limited number of participants. Preference is given to students in programmes in which the course is being offered. All other students will be waitlisted. Please do not contact Prof. Krause for any questions in this regard. If necessary, please contact Link
W8 credits4V + 2U + 1AA. Krause, F. Yang
AbstractThe course introduces the foundations of learning and making predictions based on data.
ObjectiveThe course will introduce the foundations of learning and making predictions from data. We will study basic concepts such as trading goodness of fit and model complexitiy. We will discuss important machine learning algorithms used in practice, and provide hands-on experience in a course project.
Content- Linear regression (overfitting, cross-validation/bootstrap, model selection, regularization, [stochastic] gradient descent)
- Linear classification: Logistic regression (feature selection, sparsity, multi-class)
- Kernels and the kernel trick (Properties of kernels; applications to linear and logistic regression); k-nearest neighbor
- Neural networks (backpropagation, regularization, convolutional neural networks)
- Unsupervised learning (k-means, PCA, neural network autoencoders)
- The statistical perspective (regularization as prior; loss as likelihood; learning as MAP inference)
- Statistical decision theory (decision making based on statistical models and utility functions)
- Discriminative vs. generative modeling (benefits and challenges in modeling joint vy. conditional distributions)
- Bayes' classifiers (Naive Bayes, Gaussian Bayes; MLE)
- Bayesian approaches to unsupervised learning (Gaussian mixtures, EM)
LiteratureTextbook: Kevin Murphy, Machine Learning: A Probabilistic Perspective, MIT Press
Prerequisites / NoticeDesigned to provide a basis for following courses:
- Advanced Machine Learning
- Deep Learning
- Probabilistic Artificial Intelligence
- Seminar "Advanced Topics in Machine Learning"
263-4660-00LApplied Cryptography Information Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 150.
W8 credits3V + 2U + 2PK. Paterson
AbstractThis course will introduce the basic primitives of cryptography, using rigorous syntax and game-based security definitions. The course will show how these primitives can be combined to build cryptographic protocols and systems.
ObjectiveThe goal of the course is to put students' understanding of cryptography on sound foundations, to enable them to start to build well-designed cryptographic systems, and to expose them to some of the pitfalls that arise when doing so.
ContentBasic symmetric primitives (block ciphers, modes, hash functions); generic composition; AEAD; basic secure channels; basic public key primitives (encryption,signature, DH key exchange); ECC; randomness; applications.
LiteratureTextbook: Boneh and Shoup, “A Graduate Course in Applied Cryptography”, Link.
Prerequisites / NoticeStudents should have taken the D-INFK Bachelor's course “Information Security" (252-0211-00) or an alternative first course covering cryptography at a similar level. / In this course, we will use Moodle for content delivery: Link.
402-0206-00LQuantum Mechanics II
Special Students UZH must book the module PHY351 directly at UZH.
W10 credits3V + 2UP. Jetzer
AbstractMany-body quantum physics rests on symmetry considerations that lead to two kinds of particles, fermions and bosons. Formal techniques include Hartree-Fock theory and second-quantization techniques, as well as quantum statistics with ensembles. Few- and many-body systems include atoms, molecules, the Fermi sea, elastic chains, radiation and its interaction with matter, and ideal quantum gases.
ObjectiveBasic command of few- and many-particle physics for fermions and bosons, including second quantisation and quantum statistical techniques. Understanding of elementary many-body systems such as atoms, molecules, the Fermi sea, electromagnetic radiation and its interaction with matter, ideal quantum gases and relativistic theories.
ContentThe description of indistinguishable particles leads us to (exchange-) symmetrized wave functions for fermions and bosons. We discuss simple few-body problems (Helium atoms, hydrogen molecule) und proceed with a systematic description of fermionic many body problems (Hartree-Fock approximation, screening, correlations with applications on atomes and the Fermi sea). The second quantisation formalism allows for the compact description of the Fermi gas, of elastic strings (phonons), and the radiation field (photons). We study the interaction of radiation and matter and the associated phenomena of radiative decay, light scattering, and the Lamb shift. Quantum statistical description of ideal Bose and Fermi gases at finite temperatures concludes the program. If time permits, we will touch upon of relativistic one particle physics, the Klein-Gordon equation for spin-0 bosons and the Dirac equation describing spin-1/2 fermions.
LiteratureG. Baym, Lectures on Quantum Mechanics (Benjamin, Menlo Park, California, 1969)
L.I. Schiff, Quantum Mechanics (Mc-Graw-Hill, New York, 1955)
A. Messiah, Quantum Mechanics I & II (North-Holland, Amsterdam, 1976)
E. Merzbacher, Quantum Mechanics (John Wiley, New York, 1998)
C. Cohen-Tannoudji, B. Diu, F. Laloe, Quantum Mechanics I & II (John Wiley, New York, 1977)
P.P. Feynman and A.R. Hibbs, Quantum Mechanics and Path Integrals (Mc Graw-Hill, New York, 1965)
A.L. Fetter and J.D. Walecka, Theoretical Mechanics of Particles and Continua (Mc Graw-Hill, New York, 1980)
J.J. Sakurai, Modern Quantum Mechanics (Addison Wesley, Reading, 1994)
J.J. Sakurai, Advanced Quantum mechanics (Addison Wesley)
F. Gross, Relativistic Quantum Mechanics and Field Theory (John Wiley, New York, 1993)
Prerequisites / NoticeBasic knowledge of single-particle Quantum Mechanics
402-0275-00LQuantum ElectronicsW10 credits3V + 2US. Johnson
AbstractClassical and semi-classical introduction to Quantum Electronics. Mandatory for further elective courses in Quantum Electronics. The field of Quantum Electronics describes propagation of light and its interaction with matter. The emphasis is set on linear pulse and beam propagation in dispersive media, optical anisotropic materials, and waveguides and lasers.
ObjectiveTeach the fundamental building blocks of Quantum Electronics. After taking this course students will be able to describe light propagation in dispersive and nonlinear media, as well as the operation of polarization optics and lasers.
ContentPropagation of light in dispersive media
Light propagation through interfaces
Interference and coherence
Interferometry
Fourier Optics
Beam propagation
Optical resonators
Laser fundamentals
Polarization optics
Waveguides
Nonlinear optics
Lecture notesScripts will be distributed in class (online) via moodle
LiteratureReference:
Saleh, B.E.A., Teich, M.C.; Fundamentals of Photonics, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., newest edition
Prerequisites / NoticeMandatory lecture for physics students

Prerequisites (minimal): vector analysis, differential equations, Fourier transformation
402-0318-00LSemiconductor Materials: Characterization, Processing and DevicesW6 credits2V + 1US. Schön, W. Wegscheider
AbstractThis course gives an introduction into the fundamentals of semiconductor materials. The main focus in this semester is on state-of-the-art characterization, semiconductor processing and devices.
ObjectiveBasic knowledge of semiconductor physics and technology. Application of this knowledge for state-of-the-art semiconductor device processing
Content1. Material characterization: structural and chemical methods
1.1 X-ray diffraction methods (Powder diffraction, HRXRD, XRR, RSM)
1.2 Electron microscopy Methods (SEM, EDX, TEM, STEM, EELS)
1.3 SIMS, RBS
2. Material characterization: electronic methods
2.1 van der Pauw techniquel2.2 Floating zone method
2.2 Hall effect
2.3 Cyclotron resonance spectroscopy
2.4. Quantum Hall effect
3. Material characterization: Optical methods
3.1 Absorption methods
3.2 Photoluminescence methods
3.3 FTIR, Raman spectroscopy
4. Semiconductor processing: lithography
4.1 Optical lithography methods
4.2 Electron beam lithography
4.3 FIB lithography
4.4 Scanning probe lithography
4.5 Direct growth methods (CEO, Nanowires)
5. Semiconductor processing: structuring of layers and devices
5.1 Wet etching methods
5.2 Dry etching methods (RIE, ICP, ion milling)
5.3 Physical vapor depositon methods (thermal, e-beam, sputtering)
5.4 Chemical vapor Deposition methods (PECVD, LPCVD, ALD)
5.5 Cleanroom basics & tour
6. Semiconductor devices
6.1 Semiconductor lasers
6.2 LED & detectors
6.3 Solar cells
6.4 Transistors (FET, HBT, HEMT)
Lecture notesLink
Prerequisites / NoticeThe "compulsory performance element" of this lecture is a short presentation of a research paper complementing the lecture topics. Several topics and corresponding papers will be offered on the moodle page of this lecture.
402-0455-00LQuantum Sensing and Metrology TheoryW6 credits2V + 1UM. P. Woods
AbstractQuantum Sensing is the process in which we acquire information about a physical quantity via measurements using quantum systems. It is a vital process in all quantum technologies. The course will focus on theoretical concepts that impact future implementations of quantum technologies.
ObjectiveThe course provides an insight into various techniques and limitations in quantum sensing and metrology.
ContentThe course covers a selection of quantum sensing techniques and precision limitations. Particular focus will be put on theoretical concepts that impact future implementations of quantum technologies. Topics include: historical overview and examples, quantum sensing protocols and their sensitivity, local optimal estimation (Cramér–Rao bound and quantum Fisher information), global optimal estimation, standard quantum limit, Heisenberg limit, teleportation-invariant channels, examples such as Quantum Reading, Quantum Illumination, Quantum super-resolution.
Prerequisites / NoticeQuantum Mechanics I is a prerequisite. The course is complementary to the courses Quantum Information Theory and Quantum Information Processing.
402-0444-00LAdvanced Quantum Optics
Does not take place this semester.
W6 credits2V + 1UA. Imamoglu
AbstractThis course builds up on the material covered in the Quantum Optics course. The emphasis will be on quantum optics in condensed-matter systems.
ObjectiveThe course aims to provide the knowledge necessary for pursuing advanced research in the field of Quantum Optics in condensed matter systems. Fundamental concepts and techniques of Quantum Optics will be linked to experimental research in systems such as quantum dots, exciton-polaritons, quantum Hall fluids and two-dimensional materials.
ContentDescription of open quantum systems using master equation and quantum trajectories. Decoherence and quantum measurements. Dicke superradiance. Dissipative phase transitions. Signatures of electron-exciton and electron-electron interactions in optical response.
Lecture notesLecture notes will be provided
LiteratureC. Cohen-Tannoudji et al., Atom-Photon-Interactions (recommended)
Y. Yamamoto and A. Imamoglu, Mesoscopic Quantum Optics (recommended)
A collection of review articles (will be pointed out during the lecture)
Prerequisites / NoticeMasters level quantum optics knowledge
402-0462-00LAdvanced Topics in Quantum Information TheoryW6 credits2V + 1UL. Pacheco Cañamero B. del Rio, R. Silva
Abstract
Objective1. Quantum thermodynamics

a) Resource theory approach

b) Landauer's principle

c) Heat engines

d) Thermalization


2. Clocks and control

a) Controlled operations

b) Perfect clock

c) Finite-size effects (eg Gaussian clock)

d) Information-theoretical approaches (eg alternate ticks game)


3. Puzzles and no-go theorems

a) Logical pre- and post-selection paradoxes (eg pigeons, Hardy)

b) Quantum contextuality and non-locality

c) Multi-agent logical puzzles (eg Wigner's friend, Frauchiger-Renner)


4. Axiomatic derivations of quantum theory

a) Generalized probability theories (and PR boxes)

b) Axiomatizations within GPTs

c) Generalizations of the Born rule
402-0468-15LNanomaterials for PhotonicsW6 credits2V + 1UR. Grange, R. Savo
AbstractThe lecture describes various nanomaterials (semiconductor, metal, dielectric, carbon-based...) for photonic applications (optoelectronics, plasmonics, ordered and disordered structures...). It starts with concepts of light-matter interactions, then the fabrication methods, the optical characterization techniques, the description of the properties and the state-of-the-art applications.
ObjectiveThe students will acquire theoretical and experimental knowledge about the different types of nanomaterials (semiconductors, metals, dielectric, carbon-based, ...) and their uses as building blocks for advanced applications in photonics (optoelectronics, plasmonics, photonic crystal, ...). Together with the exercises, the students will learn (1) to read, summarize and discuss scientific articles related to the lecture, (2) to estimate order of magnitudes with calculations using the theory seen during the lecture, (3) to prepare a short oral presentation and report about one topic related to the lecture, and (4) to imagine an original photonic device.
Content1. Introduction to nanomaterials for photonics
a. Classification of nanomaterials
b. Light-matter interaction at the nanoscale
c. Examples of nanophotonic devices

2. Wave physics for nanophotonics
a. Wavelength, wave equation, wave propagation
b. Dispersion relation
c. Interference
d. Scattering and absorption
e. Coherent and incoherent light

3. Analogies between photons and electrons
a. Quantum wave description
b. How to confine photons and electrons
c. Tunneling effects

4. Characterization of Nanomaterials
a. Optical microscopy: Bright and dark field, fluorescence, confocal, High resolution: PALM (STORM), STED
b. Light scattering techniques: DLS
c. Near field microscopy: SNOM
d. Electron microscopy: SEM, TEM
e. Scanning probe microscopy: STM, AFM
f. X-ray diffraction: XRD, EDS

5. Fabrication of nanomaterials
a. Top-down approach
b. Bottom-up approach

6. Plasmonics
a. What is a plasmon, Drude model
b. Surface plasmon and localized surface plasmon (sphere, rod, shell)
c. Theoretical models to calculate the radiated field: electrostatic approximation and Mie scattering
d. Fabrication of plasmonic structures: Chemical synthesis, Nanofabrication
e. Applications

7. Organic and inorganic nanomaterials
a. Organic quantum-confined structure: nanomers and quantum dots.
b. Carbon nanotubes: properties, bandgap description, fabrication
c. Graphene: motivation, fabrication, devices
d. Nanomarkers for biophotonics

8. Semiconductors
a. Crystalline structure, wave function
b. Quantum well: energy levels equation, confinement
c. Quantum wires, quantum dots
d. Optical properties related to quantum confinement
e. Example of effects: absorption, photoluminescence
f. Solid-state-lasers: edge emitting, surface emitting, quantum cascade

9. Photonic crystals
a. Analogy photonic and electronic crystal, in nature
b. 1D, 2D, 3D photonic crystal
c. Theoretical modelling: frequency and time domain technique
d. Features: band gap, local enhancement, superprism...

10. Nanocomposites
a. Effective medium regime
b. Metamaterials
c. Multiple scattering regime
d. Complex media: structural colour, random lasers, nonlinear disorder
Lecture notesSlides and book chapter will be available for downloading
LiteratureReferences will be given during the lecture
Prerequisites / NoticeBasics of solid-state physics (i.e. energy bands) can help
402-0484-00LExperimental and Theoretical Aspects of Quantum Gases Information
Does not take place this semester.
W6 credits2V + 1UT. Esslinger
AbstractQuantum Gases are the most precisely controlled many-body systems in physics. This provides a unique interface between theory and experiment, which allows addressing fundamental concepts and long-standing questions. This course lays the foundation for the understanding of current research in this vibrant field.
ObjectiveThe lecture conveys a basic understanding for the current research on quantum gases. Emphasis will be put on the connection between theory and experimental observation. It will enable students to read and understand publications in this field.
ContentCooling and trapping of neutral atoms

Bose and Fermi gases

Ultracold collisions

The Bose-condensed state

Elementary excitations

Vortices

Superfluidity

Interference and Correlations

Optical lattices
Lecture notesnotes and material accompanying the lecture will be provided
LiteratureC. J. Pethick and H. Smith, Bose-Einstein condensation in dilute Gases,
Cambridge.
Proceedings of the Enrico Fermi International School of Physics, Vol. CXL,
ed. M. Inguscio, S. Stringari, and C.E. Wieman (IOS Press, Amsterdam,
1999).
402-0498-00LTrapped-Ion PhysicsW6 credits2V + 1UD. Kienzler
AbstractThis course covers the physics of trapped ions at the quantum level described as harmonic oscillators coupled to spin systems, for which the 2012 Nobel prize was awarded. Trapped-ion systems have achieved an extraordinary level of control and provide leading technologies for quantum information processing and quantum metrology.
ObjectiveThe objective is to provide a basis for understanding the wide range of research currently being performed with trapped ion systems: fundamental quantum mechanics with spin-spring systems, quantum information processing and quantum metrology. During the course students would expect to gain an understanding of the current frontier of research in these areas, and the challenges which must be overcome to make further advances. This should provide a solid background for tackling recently published research in these fields, including experimental realisations of quantum information processing using trapped ions.
ContentThis course will cover trapped-ion physics. It aims to cover both theoretical and experimental aspects. In all experimental settings the role of decoherence and the quantum-classical transition is of great importance, and this will therefore form one of the key components of the course. The topics of the course were cited in the Nobel prize which was awarded to David Wineland in 2012.

Topics which will be covered include:
- Fundamental working principles of ion traps and modern trap geometries, quantum description of motion of trapped ions
- Electronic structure of atomic ions, manipulation of the electronic state, Rabi- and Ramsey-techniques, principle of an atomic clock
- Quantum description of the coupling of electronic and motional degrees of freedom
- Laser cooling
- Quantum state engineering of coherent, squeezed, cat, grid and entangled states
- Trapped ion quantum information processing basics and scaling, current challenges
- Quantum metrology with trapped ions: quantum logic spectroscopy, optical clocks, search for physics beyond the standard model using high-precision spectroscopy
LiteratureS. Haroche and J-M. Raimond "Exploring the Quantum" (recommended)
M. Scully and M.S. Zubairy, Quantum Optics (recommended)
Prerequisites / NoticeThe preceding attendance of the scheduled lecture Quantum Optics (402-0442-00L) or a comparable course is required.
402-0533-00LQuantum Acoustics and Optomechanics
Does not take place this semester.
W6 credits2V + 1UY. Chu
AbstractThis course gives an introduction to the interaction of mechanical motion with electromagnetic fields in the quantum regime. There are parallels between the quantum descriptions of mechanical resonators, electrical circuits, and light, but each system also has its own unique properties. We will explore how interfacing them can be useful for technological applications and fundamental science.
ObjectiveThe goal of this course is provide the introductory knowledge necessary to understand current research in quantum acoustics and optomechanics. As part of this goal, we will also cover some related aspects of acoustics, quantum optics, and circuit/cavity quantum electrodynamics.
ContentThe focus of this course will be on the properties of and interactions between mechanical and electromagnetic systems in the context of quantum information and technologies. We will only briefly touch upon precision measurement and sensing with optomechanics since it is the topic of another course (227-0653-00L). Some topics that will be covered are:
- Mechanical motion and acoustics in solid state materials
- Quantum description of motion, electrical circuits, and light.
- Different models for quantum interactions: optomechanical, Jaynes-Cummings, etc.
- Mechanisms for mechanical coupling to electromagnetic fields: piezoelectricity, electrostriction, radiation pressure, etc.
- Coherent interactions vs. dissipative processes: phenomenon and applications in different regimes.
- State-of the art electromechanical and optomechanical systems.
Lecture notesNotes will be provided for each lecture.
LiteratureParts of books and research papers will be used.
Prerequisites / NoticeBasic knowledge of quantum mechanics would be highly useful.
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