Download PH5182 - Displays and Nonlinear Optics

PH5182 – Displays and Nonlinear Optics
PH5182 - Displays and Nonlinear Optics
Credits:
Number of Lectures:
10.0
27
Academic Year:
2016-17
Semester:
Lecturer:
1
Prof Ifor Samuel, Dr Michael Mazilu, Prof Malcolm
Dunn and Dr Cameron Rae
Overview
The physics of polymers and liquid crystals is covered, showing the way to the use of semiconducting polymers as light emitters, and the use of liquid crystals in displays and spatial light
modulators. The nonlinear optics section of this module describes the physical ideas and application
of second and third order nonlinear optics, including phenomena such as harmonic generation,
parametric gain, saturated absorption, nonlinear refraction, Raman scattering, and optical solitons.
The final section looks at second order nonlinear effects being exploited in optical parametric
amplifiers and oscillators in the optical and THz regions.
Aims & Objectives
 To introduce students to the physics underpinning displays and nonlinear optics
 To provide a perspective on contemporary developments in the fields
 To provide expertise in design and problem-solving techniques in these fields
Learning Outcomes
Students will:
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gain an appreciation for the wide range of optoelectronic principles and devices used in
everyday life.
understand the working principles of display devices, appreciate the differences and
limitations of different technologies.
understand how electric fields can control the orientation of liquid crystals and the resulting
impact on the propagation of polarised light through the medium.
realise the operation and potential of organic light emitters.
understand the principles of linear and non-linear light-matter interactions.
understand the difference between passive and dynamic non-linear optics.
Appreciate the potential and limitations of nonlinear optics.
solve design and similar problems associated with the above devices.
Synopsis
The module starts with the area of displays, then moves on to optical communications, optical
modulators, and nonlinear optics.
Displays: Photoluminescence and electroluminescence. Semiconducting polymers. Factors
determining efficiency. Light emitting diodes and FETs. Liquid crystals and their different phases.
Operation of liquid crystal displays.
Nonlinear optics: Introduction to nonlinear effects. Second order nonlinear optics. Harmonic
generation. Sum-frequency mixing. Phase matching and optical parametric oscillators. Third order
nonlinear effects such as self-phase modulation and self-focussing.
Terahertz generation.
Pre-requisites
Admission to a Taught Postgraduate programme within the School
Anti-requisites
None
Assessment
2-hour Written Examination = 80%, Coursework = 20%
Additional information on continuous assessment etc
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PH5182 – Displays and Nonlinear Optics
Recommended Books
Please view University online record: http://resourcelists.st-andrews.ac.uk/modules/ph5182.html
General information
Please see information in the Handbook for Engineering Doctorate and MSc students in Photonics.
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