Program Overview

Course Overview

The Optics, Advanced Course (FY8915) is a doctoral degree level course that provides a comprehensive understanding of advanced optics topics. The course is offered in English and is available for students in the international master's program in physics.

Course Details

• Credits: 7.5
• Level: Doctoral degree level
• Course start: Spring 2026
• Duration: 1 semester
• Language of instruction: English
• Location: Trondheim

Course Content

The course covers core topics such as:

• Polarization and coherence
• Dielectric function/tensor-linear optics of solids
• Thin film optics
• Optics of small particles: Mie theory and plasmonics
• Experimental work, modelling, and design of spectroscopic, polarimetric, and imaging systems

Selectable module topics include:

• Nonlinear susceptibility and nonlinear optics and applications of short laser pulses
• Vibrational spectroscopy (Raman, FTIR) and photoluminescence in solids
• THz technology: instrumentation and applications
• Metasurface technology (Fourier optics and diffractive optics)
• Computational electro-magnetics applications to plasmonics, photonic crystals, or MS technology
• Wave-optics approach to imaging and aberrations
• Optical periodic multilayers: photonic crystals/optical filters-Bragg filters, modes
• Nanomanufacturing in optics (Nanolab)
• Waveguides and optical fibers for spectroscopy and sensors
• Eye and laser safety
• Optics and sustainability
• PhotoVoltaics and thermoPhotovotaics

Learning Outcome

Upon completion of the course, students will have a solid foundation in classical thin film optics, classical optics of small particles, and a solid understanding of linear optical properties of materials in the frequency range THz to photon energies of 25 eV. Students will also gain introductory notions of concepts of modern electromagnetism applied to metamaterials, metasurfaces, and nanoplasmonics.

Learning Methods and Activities

The course includes lectures and demonstrations, problem-solving, and compulsory digital and experimental lab work. The expected workload is 225 hours.

Compulsory Assignments

The course includes compulsory assignments such as:

• Works
• Lab exercises
• Laboratory exercises

Evaluation

The course evaluation consists of a written exam, three assignments, and compulsory activities (lab exercises).

Specific Conditions

Admission to a program of study is required, including:

• Biophysics (PHBIFY)
• Physics (PHFY)

Recommended Previous Knowledge

Recommended previous knowledge includes TFY4195 and TFY4240, or similar.

Course Materials

Course materials include lecture notes, course literature based on e-books available through the NTNU library, and handouts. A special compendium can be ordered on request.

Credit Reductions

The course has academic overlap with TFY4200, and students may receive a credit reduction if they take overlapping courses.

Subject Areas

The course covers subject areas such as:

• Optics
• Physics
• Technological subjects

Examination

The examination arrangement is an aggregate score, and the grade is passed or not passed. The ordinary examination includes a school exam, assignments, and compulsory activities. The re-sit examination may be changed from written to oral.