PHYS 626: Physical Optics with Lab

4

Summer

Ben McMorran, Eryn Cook

Students will learn how to derive theoretical descriptions of various optical components and systems from first principles. By building and optimizing optical systems (beam expanders, interferometers, optical cavities, isolators, etc.) using a host of optical components (mirrors, lenses, gratings, beam splitters, etc.), students learn how to control the flow of electromagnetic radiation through space.

PHYS 627: Optical Materials and Devices and Physical Optics

4

Summer

Jens Noeckel, Eryn Cook

The second lecture & lab course covers the fundamental principles and practical operation of optoelectronic tools such as photodiodes, light emitting and laser diodes, digital cameras and numerous other devices commonly found in an optics laboratory. Theoretical topics are introduced in lecture covering the inner workings of these devices while time in lab is used to learn the proper handling, operation and characterization of optoelectronic devices that emit and detect light.

PHYS 610: LASERs & Nonlinear Optics

2

Summer

Eryn Cook, Michaela Kleinert, Francesca Sansavini

This course introduces optical phenomena that require the laws of quantum mechanics and nonlinear dynamics. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of light and matter interactions with an emphasis on laser operating principles. Students will then study the physics and applications of nonlinear optics including a formal definition of the nonlinear susceptibility, which is related to the index of refraction. We will specifically look at applications to generate or modulate light.

PHYS 610: Advanced Projects Lab

4

Fall

Bryan Boggs, Eryn Cook

In this final core course, students work in pairs to apply their recently gained knowledge on a five-week project. Students choose a project which allow them to deepen their experience in a field they have found interesting during the previous three courses. The advanced projects lab gives students a chance to work on open-ended projects that reflect the experiences commonly had by students during their internships. Examples of past projects include: the design and construction of a double-clad high-power continuous-wave fiber laser, Erbium-doped fiber amplifier, high-power ultrafast fiber laser, fiber dispersion characterization tools (modal and temporal dispersion), optical tweezers – and building various semiconductor optical metrology tools.

CH 610: Professional Communication in Science

1

Summer

Stacey York

Students learn and apply foundational skills critical for career progression of scientists and engineers. Core elements include: composing a competitive resume; sharing impactful answers during behavioral and technical interviews; and building a strong professional network.

PHYS 610: Optical Modeling with OpticsStudio

4

Fall

Kieran Lerch, Eryn Cook

Students will model and analyze optical systems in OpticStudio, a widely used software package in the optics industry. Topics covered include performance optimization, tolerancing and manufacturing, and accessing online resources. Through this course students will gain the ability to use OpticStudio to model commercial optical elements and systems as well as create and optimize novel optical systems. Students will be shown creative approaches to solving problems that they might ordinarily consider outside of the scope of their training.

Electives: Physics or Related Discipline Graduate Level Electives

8

Fall

Varies

Students further specialize or broaden their knowledge through 8 credits of elective coursework (the equivalent of two UO courses). Popular electives include: Electron Microscopy, Introduction to Surface Analysis and Electron Probe Microanalysis.

PHYS 601: Research Internship

10 per term, 30 total

Winter, Spring, Summer

Jess Lohrman

Within an academic, clinical, industrial, or national lab setting, students gain hands-on experience in the application of their knowledge. Each term, students write a review paper to demonstrate advancement of technical knowledge and development of written communication skills. Learn more about the internship by visiting our Optics Internships page.