Experimental Optics and Photonics (MVAMO1, MVSpec)

Overview

The lecture provides an overview of both fundamental and applied aspects of optical phenomena based on classical and quantum properties of radiation and matter relevant to modern science, from basic research to quantum technologies.

The knowledge you will acquire in this course is highly useful if you plan to work in this area. It complements the content of the lecture "Advanced Atomic and Molecular Physics" and the course "Experimental Methods in Atomic and Molecular Physics" taught in the winter and summer semesters, respectively.  

Learning goals

After completing this course the students will be able to:

• describe the basic principles and experimental methods of optics and photonics

• analyse standard experimental approaches to optics and photonics

• apply the methods and design experimental set-ups in optics and photonics

Required knowledge

• basic knowledge in electromagnetism and quantum physics

Content

• Ray optics

• Wave optics

• Interference, Beam optics, Gaussian optics

• Fourier optics

• Coherence

• Propagation of Light in Media

• Polarisation

• Photons and atoms

• Light-matter interaction: Classical, semi-classical, quantum

• Lasers

• Non-linear optics

• Ultra-short laser pulses

Practical information

Where? When?

• Lecture will be in presence

• Fridays, 9:15-11:00 (INF 226 K2-3 - Goldbox)

• First Lecture: 17.10.2025

Tutorials

• Tutorials will be in presence (INF 226 K2-3 - Goldbox)

• Fridays, 11:15-12:00 (please register)

• First Tutorial: 24.10.2025

Registration

• Register through HeiCo for the lecture. Then register the tutorial group.

Exercise Sheets

• will become available online every week after the lecture. 

• can be downloaded from the web page.

• to be handed in by Thursday 12:00 (noon) of the following week (electronically through the Übungsgruppenverwaltung)

• can be prepared in groups of up to 3 students

• in the tutorial students present their solutions. Participation in the tutorial will be accounted for in the final grade.

Exam

• Pass (without grade): Solve 75% of the exercises

• Pass (with grade): Additional oral exam

• Date: 6th February 2026 (to be confirmed)

ECTS points

Lecture and Tutorials: 4 ECTS points