Optical Properties of Solids

Course guarantor:

Eva Mihóková

Lecturer:

Eva Mihóková

Tutor:

Supervisor:

Department of Solid State Engineering

Synopsis:

This course gives an introductory into the optical properties of solids. The fundamental principles of absorption, reflection, luminescence and light propagation are discussed for a wide range of materials, including crystalline insulators, semiconductors, and metals. Classical and quantum models are used as appropriate, and the observed phenomena are discussed from point of their application.

Requirements:

It is recommended to complete lecture of Physics of dielectrics (11DIEL at FNSPE).

Syllabus of lectures:

1. Introduction

2. Electromagnetic fields and Maxwell's equations, 1 lecture

3. Quantum theory of radiative absorption and emission, 2 lectures

4. Interband absorption, 1 lecture

5. Excitons, 1 lecture

6. Luminescence, 1 lecture

7. Quantum confinement, 2 lectures

8. Free electrons, 1 lecture

9. Molecular materials, 1 lecture

10. Nonlinear optics, 2 lectures.

Syllabus of tutorials:

Study Objective:

Knowledge:

Understand the classical theory of light propagation in solids.

Understand the quantum theory of absorption and emission in solids.

Appreciate the importance of excitonic effects in solids.

Understand the origin of nonlinear optical effects in crystals.

Skills:

The aim of course is to understand the fundamental principles of absorption, reflection, luminescence and light propagation in a wide range of materials, including crystalline insulators, semiconductors, and metals. Applications of all the described phenomena are discussed as well.

Study materials:

Key references:

[1] Born, M. and Wolf, E. (2006), Principles of optics (7th edn), Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

[2] Fox, M. (2012), Optical properties of solids (2nd edn), Oxford University Press, Oxford.

Recommended references:

[3] Kittel, Ch. (2004), Introduction to Solid State Physics, (8th edn), Wiley.

[4] Ibach, H., Lüth, H. (2009), An Introduction to Principles of Materials Science, Springer.

[5] Burns, G. (1985), Solid State Physics, Academic Press.

Note:

Time-table for winter semester 2024/2025:

Time-table is not available yet

Time-table for summer semester 2024/2025:

Time-table is not available yet

The course is a part of the following study plans: