ECCE 680 Fundamentals of Photonics
The field of Photonics describes the use of light to perform functions that are traditionally under the domain of Electronics, such as computing, data storage, information processing and telecommunications. In particular, Silicon Photonics allows the integration of optical and electronic devices on the same integrated microchip. This course covers both fundamental and advanced concepts that are needed for understanding, designing and simulating simple passive building blocks for such photonic integrated circuits (PICs). The course merges optical physics and mathematical tools, including differential equations, differential operators (Laplacian, curl, divergence, gradient), Fourier transforms, coupled-mode theory, and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations. A quick review of ray and wave optics is presented, along with electromagnetic wave propagation in isotropic media. Planar and two-dimensional dielectric waveguides are then explored, as well as an introduction to photonic crystals. The theory of ring resonators and optical add/drop multiplexers (OADM) is also covered, and simple optical architectures for interconnects, routers and switches are presented. Advanced numerical simulations in MATLAB and MEEP/Lumerical (FDTD software) are also covered. This course is essential for students focusing their research in Photonics.
Offered
Fall Spring