Photonics (Quantum Electronics) OpenCourseWare: A Free Undergraduate Course by MIT

Published Feb 03, 2009

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Photons are 'visible-light particles' and are the basic unit of measurement of light. 'Fundamentals of Photonics: Quantum Electronics' is a free course provided by MIT as part of the OpenCourseWare project. The course investigates the physics that underlie the influence of quantum mechanics on the actions of electrons in matter. This course is recommended for students with an undergraduate-level understanding of math and physics.

Fundamentals of Photonics: Quantum Electronics: Course Specifics

Degree Level Free Audio Video Downloads
Undergraduate Yes No No Yes

Lectures/Notes Study Materials Tests/Quizzes
Yes Yes Yes

Fundamentals of Photonics: Quantum Electronics: Course Description

This course examines the dynamics of the classical and quantum characteristics of radiation and light, as well as the applications of these theories. Professor Franz Kaertner from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science is the instructor for this OpenCourseWare, entitled 'Fundamentals of Photonics: Quantum Electronics.' The course provides a thorough introduction to quantum electronics and the fundamentals of photonics, such as Maxwell's electromagnetic waves. Students will examine the theory that an alteration in a magnetic field will produce a corresponding change in the electric field and vice-versa. Other areas of study include resonators and beams, classical ray optics and optical systems and light modulation. The course is presented in a lecture format and is divided into six sections, Maxwell's equations, plane waves, transmission lines and waveguides, fields and forces, antennas and radiation and acoustics.

The materials for this course are comprised of downloadable lecture notes and exams. A list of required and recommended readings is also provided. If you are interested in taking this course, go to the fundamentals of photonics course page.

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