Photonics MRes

Program Overview

The Imperial College London MRes in Photonics equips students with advanced understanding and research skills in photonics. It serves as the first year of a four-year MRes+PhD research program and prepares students for further doctoral study in imaging and photonics. The program includes core modules in imaging, lasers, and photonics laboratory, along with a substantial research project. The program aims to develop students' research interests and skills, enhance their communication abilities, and provide a foundation for careers in research, academia, or industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MRes program in Photonics is designed to develop students' understanding and skills in this exciting field of physics. The program is built upon the MSc in Optics and Photonics course and typically serves as the first year of a four-year MRes+PhD research training program within the Photonics group.

Objectives:

• Advance students' understanding of photonics, a field that drives advancements in diverse areas like biomedical imaging and high-power fiber lasers.
• Develop research interests and skills in photonics.
• Provide training in appropriate research methods.
• Enhance students' written and communication skills for various audiences.
• Reinforce practical expertise through a substantial laboratory component.
• Prepare students for PhD study through a major individual project.

Outline:

Core Modules:

• Imaging: Explores themes like Fermat's Principle, Snell's law, stops and pupils, complex amplitude, and the resolution of imaging systems.
• Lasers: Provides an understanding of the fundamentals of laser physics.
• Optical Measurement and Devices: Covers common optical measurement and devices, polarization, and practical techniques for thin film device manufacturing.
• Photonics Laboratory: Involves a set of experiments to familiarize students with various optical techniques and phenomena.

Optional Modules:

Students choose optional modules totaling 7.5 to 10 ECTS.

• Optical Communications Physics: Covers the operation principles and technology of optical fiber networks, analyzing key physical concepts related to lasers and nonlinear optics.
• Optical Design: Explores elements of optimal design, including finite ray tracing, chromatic aberrations, and the use of aspheric surfaces in imaging systems.
• Laser Technology: Familiarizes students with the principles and practice of laser devices and nonlinear optical technology.
• Biomedical Imaging: Analyzes the principles and practice of biomedical imaging technologies, including microscopes, fluorescence, and tomography.
• Opto-electronic Devices: Examines important device components from the fields of optical telecommunication, space lighting, optical displays, and sustainable energy production.
• Fibre and Ultrafast Lasers: Explores the workings of fiber and ultrafast lasers, providing insights into their applications in various scientific and industrial contexts.

Research Project:

• Students undertake a nine-month project with a research group.
• This project equips them for further doctoral-level study in photonics and related fields where photonics plays a crucial role.
• The project is assessed through an oral presentation and a dissertation.

Assessment:

• Written examinations: 26%
• Laboratory work: 8%
• Project work: 66%

Assessment methods:

• Examination
• Oral presentation
• Problem exercises
• Written report

Teaching:

• Teaching and learning methods:
• Virtual learning environment
• Lectures
• Lecture recordings
• Practical work
• Problem classes
• Tutorials
• Self-study project

Careers:

• The program provides transferable skills valuable for further PhD study or a research career in imaging and photonics.
• Physics graduates from Imperial are highly sought after in various sectors, including technology, R&D, academia and education, and healthcare.
• Other potential career paths include technical consultancy and science communications.

Other:

• The program is delivered by the Department of Physics at Imperial College London.
• The minimum entry requirement is a First class Honours degree in physics, electrical or electronic engineering, or a relevant scientific discipline.
• It may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts.
• Students should check with the relevant department for confirmation.