This graduate-level course, "Photonic Materials and Devices," delves into the fundamental principles and design considerations of materials used in photonic applications. It explores topics ranging from optical materials design and waveguide technology to semiconductor physics and nonlinear optics. The course utilizes a combination of lecture notes, problem sets, and readings from foundational texts in photonics. It is designed for students interested in advanced study within Materials Science and Engineering with a focus on optical phenomena and devices.
Photonics is the science and technology of light, with applications increasingly impacting all areas of human activity. Tampere University's Photonics Laboratory focuses on advancing fundamental knowledge of light-matter interactions, developing photonic materials, devices, and solutions for scientific and societal challenges. Research areas include high-speed data manipulation, solar energy harvesting, pollutant sensing, process control, and next-generation medical tools. The laboratory brings together complementary expertise, creating Finland's most concentrated hub for photonics research. Photonics is integrated into master's level degree programmes. It forms a core part of the Master's Programme in Photonics Technologies and is one of the study paths within the Master's Programme in Science and Engineering (alongside Aerosol Physics and Computational Physics). Courses within photonics can also be taken as electives in other programmes. The university coordinates the Flagship on Photonics Research and Innovation (PREIN), a national initiative focused on excellent science, collaboration, and future solutions.