Course detail

Photonics

FSI-RFO-AAcad. year: 2025/2026

The course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of photonics. The topics covered are the following:  Electromagnetic optics,  interaction of light with matter. Theory of optical waveguides. Modulation and switching of optical fields, nonlinear optics. Periodic media and photonic crystals.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

5

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

prof. RNDr. Jiří Petráček, Dr.

Department

Institute of Physical Engineering (ÚFI)

Entry knowledge

Knowledge of general physics and optics at the basic undergaruate level. 

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Course-unit credit is conditional on student's activity in the seminars.
Examination: the grade will reflect the performance on seminar problems and two tests (midterm, final).


Aims

The objective of the course is to present a basic overview of photonics including the underlying principles and some current trends.


Competences: Basic knowledge of photonics, understanding of design and function of optical devices such as waveguides, optical fibres, optical modulators and grating based devices. 

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

SALEH, B.E.A and TEICH, M.C., Fundamentals of photonics. New York: Wiley, 1991.
YARIV, A. and YEH, P., Photonics, New York: Oxford University Press, 2007.

Recommended reading

KASAP, S.O., Optoelectronics and Photonics: Principles and Practices, Prentice-Hall, Upper Saddle River, 2001. (EN)
YARIV, A. and YEH, P., Photonics, New York: Oxford University Press, 2007. (EN)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme N-PMO-P Master's 2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. RNDr. Jiří Petráček, Dr.

Syllabus

  1. Electromagnetic Fields and Waves.
  2. Interaction of Light with Matter.
  3. Waves in Optical Waveguides and Fibers.
  4. Coupled Mode Theory. Coupling Between Waveguides. Waveguide Input and Output Couplers
  5. Modulation of Laser Beams: Electro-optic Modulators, Liquid Crystals, Acousto-optic Modulators, Magneto-optic Modulators
  6. Nonlinear Optics.
  7. Periodic Media and Photonic Crystals.
  8. Selected Applications and Current Trends

Exercise

13 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. RNDr. Jiří Petráček, Dr.

Syllabus

Seminars include practical problems related to the course. Moreover students will visit a lab to see simple guided-wave structures and photonic sensors.