Structured Photonic Nano-Materials

In this module we will discuss different approaches and concepts how tailoring electronic and photonic band structures of solid-state matter can enable us to influence, manipulate and controlle light on the nanoscale. We will begin with a discussion of quantum-confined materials where in particular semiconductors are tailored during growth in order to control and manipulate their electronic properties leading to novel physical concept like non-classical light emission. In contrast to controlling the electronic band structure, nano-fabrication techniques allow us to selectively tailor the structural properties of solid materials giving rise to the full control of the photonic properties. In particular the concept of periodically structured dielectrics – known as photonic crystals – offers a powerful tool to guide, confine and enhance the spontaneous emission of light emitters. Also metallic nanostructures exhibit another way to manipulate light by tailoring their shape, size and composition and are predicted to give rise to sub-wavelength confinement of light. Special kinds of metallic nanostructure known as metamaterials enable the realization of novel materials that do not exist in nature and show fascinating new physical effects.

After participation in the Module the student is able to: 1) Recall the most important fabrication/growth methods and the basic optical properties of low-dimensional semiconductor nanostructures having relevance for modern opto-electronics and quantum photonics. 2) Understand and recall the basic functions of a photonic crystal and how to influence, control and manipulate spontaneous emission of an embedded quantum emitter 3) Recall various applications of photonic crystals in different research fields such as for example quantum optics, disordered crystals, and cavity opto-mechanics 4) Recall the basics of nanoscale structured metals and the associated physics of the research field nano-plasmonics 5) The student received an introduction to the huge research field known as "nano-photonics", can make connections to recent cutting edge research and will be able to read and understand scientific literature/publications.

Important requirements for this course are: basic knowledge of electromagnetism and optics; additional insights into semiconductor physics and quantum optics are helpful

The learning outcomes of the course will be acheived via pre-recorded and life online  lecure using a tablet PC, written and verbal lecturing, powerpoint presetations and educational movies. The relation to cutting-edge research conducted at our institut will be supported by lab tours and a final presentation of ongoing research activities done by PhD students in the last lecture of this course.

The Module consists of one lecture (2 SWS). The contents of the lectures will be delivered via prerecorded video and life online courses / powerpoint presentation / educational movies. The students will also be encouraged to complement the lecture notes by exploring additional literature and original scientific papers. Each lecture and suitable review article related to the content of the lecture will be distributed via Moodle and additional citation will be given on the lecture slides. An accompanying web site will host the assocaited learning material.

- Paras N. Prasad A:C John Wiley & Sons, 2004
- Lukas Novotny “Principles of Nano-Optics”, Cambridge University Press, 2006
- John H. Davies “The physics of low-dimensional semiconductors”, Cambridge University Press, 1998
- Mark Fox “Quantum Optics”, Oxford University Press, 2006
- John D. Joannopoulos “Photonic Crystals – Molding the flow of light”, Princeton University Press, 1995
- Kazuaki Sakoda “Optical Properties of Photonic Crystals”, Springer, 2005
- Stefan A. Maier “Plasmonics – Fundamentals and Applications”, Springer, 2007
- Heinz Raether “Surface Plasmons on Smooth and Rough Surfaces and on Gratings”, Springer, 1986
- Mark L. Brongersma “Surface Plasmon Nanophotonics”, Springer, 2007
Most important are the given research literature, the distributed review papers and the lecture notes since there is not a single book covering the whole lecture content.

There will be an oral exam of 30 minutes duration. Therein the achievement of the competencies given in section learning outcome is tested exemplarily at least to the given cognition level using comprehension questions and sample calculations.

For example an assignment in the exam might be: factors that manipulate the radiative recombination time