PHY2031 2013-2014 - Module Description

PHY2031	Lasers, Materials and Nanoscale Probes for Quantum Applications	2013-14
	Dr A.S. Plaut

Delivery Weeks:	T2:01-11
Level:	5 (NQF)
Credits:	15 NICATS / 7.5 ECTS
Enrolment:	18 students (approx)

Description

We are living in the age of quantum optoelectronics: optical-signal processing, high-power laser sources, optical amplifiers, single-photon manipulation, quantum confined-electron devices, etc.. This module will emphasize how our understanding of light and matter may be used to provide assorted optoelectronic devices, and also how they in turn may enhance our understanding of light and matter.

Module Aims

This module pre-dates the current template; refer to the description above and the following ILO sections.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

A student who has passed this module should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1. describe atomically precise crystal growth techniques, and their application to grow quantum well devices;
2. describe various surface/thin film analysis, optical and electrical characterisation techniques;
3. show diagrammatically the components of scanning/transmission electron microscopes and explain their operation;
4. explain how various different types of lasers work;
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1. select the appropriate surface science analysis technique in order to to accomplish a specified task;
2. use diagrams to illustrate the construction and operation of technical devices.
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
1. discuss, orally and in writing, technical information learnt from directed reading of journal articles

Syllabus Plan

Introduction
Brief historical survey
Designing and Building New Materials
1. Molecular-beam epitaxy - Layout of an MBE reactor, Atomic-monolayer growth conditions
2. Band-gap engineering
Materials Characterization
1. Characterization techniques
  1. Reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED)
  2. Photoelectron spectroscopy
  3. Auger electron spectroscopy
  4. Secondary-ion mass spectrometry
  5. Optical spectroscopy
  6. Electrical characterization
2. Electron microscopy
  1. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
  2. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
3. Scanning probe microscopy
  1. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM)
  2. Atomic-force microscopy (AFM)
  3. Near-field scanning optical microscopy
Lasers and Amplifiers
1. Absorption, spontaneous and stimulated emission, Einstein coefficients
2. Three- and four-level systems
3. Amplification and lasing - population inversion, optical gain and feedback
4. Cavities and cavity modes
5. Continuous wave and pulsed operation
6. Gas lasers
7. Liquid lasers
8. Solid lasers: PN junctions as LEDs and lasers; Double-heterojunction and quantum-well lasers; Blue-green semiconductor lasers
9. Applications of lasers: nuclear fusion, data transmission, data storage, sensing

Learning and Teaching

Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Description	Study time	KIS type
17×1-hour lectures	17 hours	SLT
2×1-hour seminars	2 hours	SLT
1×1-hour laboratory visit	1 hours	SLT
2×1-hour problems/revision classes	2 hours	SLT
5×6-hour self-study packages	30 hours	GIS
2×4-hour problems sets	8 hours	GIS
2×4-hour preparation for seminars	8 hours	GIS
Reading, private study and revision	82 hours	GIS

Assessment

Weight	Form	Size	When	ILOS assessed	Feedback
0%	Guided self-study	5×6-hour packages	Fortnightly	1-7	Discussion in class
0%	4 × Problems sets	4 hours per set	Fortnightly	1-7	Solutions discussed in problems classes.
100%	Final Examination	120 minutes	May/June assessment period	1-7	Mark via MyExeter, collective feedback via ELE and solutions.

Resources

The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that students are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Instructor(s).

Core text:

Not applicable

Supplementary texts:

Svelto O. (1998), Principles of Lasers (4^th edition), Plenum Press, ISBN 0-306-45748-2 (UL: 535.58 SVE/X)
Wilson J. and Hawkes J.F.B. (1998), Optoelectronics: An Introduction (3^rd edition), Prentice-Hall, ISBN 0-131-03961-X (UL: 621.36 WIL)
Jaros M. (1989), Physics and Applications of Semiconductor Microstructures, Clarendon, ISBN 0-198-53927-4 (UL: 537.622 JAR)

ELE:

http://newton.ex.ac.uk/redirects/ELE/phy2031

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Pre-requisite Modules	Quantum Mechanics I (PHY2022)
Co-requisite Modules	Condensed Matter I (PHY2024)

Re-assessment

Re-assessment is not available except when required by referral or deferral.

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Time scale for re-assessment
Whole module	Written examination (100%)	1-7	August/September assessment period

Notes: See Physics Assessment Conventions.

KIS Data Summary

Learning activities and teaching methods
SLT - scheduled learning & teaching activities	22 hrs
GIS - guided independent study	128 hrs
PLS - placement/study abroad	0 hrs
Total	150 hrs

Summative assessment
Coursework	0%
Written exams	100%
Practical exams	0%
Total	100%

Miscellaneous

IoP Accreditation Checklist	Not applicable, this is an optional module.
Availability	unrestricted
Distance learning	NO
Keywords	Physics; Laser; Electronic; Microscopy; Spectroscopy; Quantum; Characterization; Materials; Devices; Transmission; Light.
Created	01-Oct-10
Revised	01-Oct-11