MODULE TITLE

Lasers, Materials and Nanoscale Probes for Quantum Applications

 

CREDIT VALUE

15

MODULE CODE

PHY2034

MODULE CONVENER

Dr A.S. Plaut

 

 

DURATION

TERM

1

2

3

Number Students Taking Module (anticipated)

8

WEEKS

T2:01-11

 

DESCRIPTION – summary of the module content (100 words)

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 – intentions of the module

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

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

 On successful completion of this module you 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 – summary of the structure and academic content of the module

  1. Introduction
    Brief historical survey
  2. Designing and Building New Materials
    1. Molecular-beam epitaxy - Layout of an MBE reactor, Atomic-monolayer growth conditions
    2. Band-gap engineering
  3. 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
    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
  4. 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

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING

 

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities  

22 hours

Guided independent study  

128 hours

Placement/study abroad

0 hours

 

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

 Category 

 Hours of study time 

 Description 

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

17 hours

17×1-hour lectures

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

2 hours

2×1-hour seminars

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

1 hours

1×1-hour laboratory visit

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

2 hours

2×1-hour problems/revision classes

Guided independent study

30 hours

5×6-hour self-study packages

Guided independent study

8 hours

2×4-hour problems sets

Guided independent study

8 hours

2×4-hour preparation for seminars

Guided independent study

82 hours

Reading, private study and revision

 

ASSESSMENT

 

 FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

Form of Assessment

Size of the assessment e.g. duration/length

ILOs assessed

Feedback method

Guided self-study

5×6-hour packages

1-7

Discussion in class

4 × Problems sets

4 hours per set

1-7

Solutions discussed in problems classes.

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework

0%

Written exams

100%

Practical exams

0%

 

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment

 

% of credit

Size of the assessment e.g. duration/length

 ILOs assessed 

Feedback method

Final Examination

100%

120 minutes

1-7

Mark via MyExeter, collective feedback via ELE and solutions.

 DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where 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

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES  

See Physics Assessment Conventions.

 

RESOURCES

 

 INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES -  The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener.

Core text:

  • Not applicable

Supplementary texts:

ELE:

CREDIT VALUE

15

ECTS VALUE

7.5

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES

Quantum Mechanics I (PHY2022)

CO-REQUISITE MODULES

Condensed Matter I (PHY2024)

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ)

5

AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING

NO

ORIGIN DATE

02-Mar-16

LAST REVISION DATE

01-Oct-11

KEY WORDS SEARCH

Physics; Laser; Electronic; Microscopy; Spectroscopy; Quantum; Characterization; Materials; Devices; Transmission; Light.

Module Descriptor Template Revised October 2011