OPTOELECTRONIC DEVICES

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and applications of optoelectronic devices. It covers the interaction of light with matter, optical routing techniques, semiconductor-based devices, lasers, photodetectors, and the modulation and polarization of light. In addition to in-depth theoretical lectures, the course includes laboratory sessions where students gain hands-on experience—using tools such as Moku GO—to assess photodetector performance and other device characteristics.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
• Understand the fundamentals of light propagation and its interaction with matter.
• Analyze optical routing in waveguides and fibers, including key concepts such as numerical aperture and dispersion.
• Explain the working principles of semiconductor optoelectronic devices, including LEDs and quantum wells.
• Describe the operation of lasers, including aspects like gain, bandwidth, and pulsed laser techniques.
• Evaluate various photodetector types, understand key parameters (responsivity, noise, etc.), and assess device performance.
• Apply principles of polarization and optical modulation in practical scenarios.
• Integrate theoretical knowledge with laboratory measurements using LEDs, lasers, photodiodes, and modern instrumentation like Moku GO.

A basic background in physics (especially optics and electromagnetism) and semiconductor physics is recommended.

1. Light and Matter
- Introduction to optoelectronics
- Plane waves, Gaussian beams, refractive index, group and phase velocities
- Interaction of light with matter (absorption, reflection, transmission, scattering, etc.)
- Antireflection coatings
- Resonators: the Fabry-Pérot cavity

2. Routing Light
- Optical waveguides
- Optical fibers
- Numerical aperture
- Dispersion and losses

3. Semiconductor Optoelectronics
- Brief review of semiconductors and their properties
- Light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
- Quantum wells
- LED materials, structures, efficiencies, and other features

4. Lasers
- Overview of common lasers and their properties
- Gain and bandwidth
- Pulsed lasers (Q-switching, mode-locking)
- Laser diodes: types and characteristics

5. Photodetectors
- Principles of photodetection and operation modes
- Photoconductors, photodiodes, Schottky and more
- Avalanche photodiodes
- Materials for photodetection
- Key parameters and noise
- Large arrays: image sensors and cameras
- Solar cells

6. Polarization and Modulation of Light
- Polarizers
- Birefringence and dichroism
- Liquid crystals
- Electro-optic effects (Pockels, Kerr)
- Optical modulators (phase, polarization, Mach-Zehnder) and their key parameters
- Other modulator types

7. Laboratory Activities
- Measuring light from LEDs and lasers using photodetectors and electronic equipment (Moku GO)

"Optoelectronics and Photonics" by S.O. Kasap

The assessment will consist of:
• A short report on the laboratory experience, where students will analyze the collected data and discuss the results.
• An oral exam, where students will demonstrate their understanding of the course topics by answering questions and discussing key concepts.

oral

• 27-30/30: Solid and broad mastery of the concepts discussed during the classes, with clear connections between topics.
• 22-26/30: Good understanding of individual topics but limited integration among them.
• 18-21/30: Basic knowledge of individual concepts with minimal conceptual depth.

The teaching approach will primarily rely on the blackboard for explaining theoretical concepts.
For more complex topics, slides will be used as additional support.
To check students' understanding in real-time, interactive quizzes on Wooclap will be conducted during the lessons.

• Lecture notes and supplementary materials will be provided.
• Course topics and content may be adjusted based on student needs and advancements in the field.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Climate change and energy" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development