Science without Borders - Photonics and Nanotechnology
Photonics and nanotechnology are two of the most rapidly evolving research areas in physics. The Department of Physics at Umeå University offers students the possibility to deepen their knowledge in these fields.
The course package is divided into two study paths:
The first, Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics (AMO) gives the students courses focusing on the properties of light. How light can be created by various types of laser, how it propagates in optical systems, how it interacts with atoms and molecules, and how it can be manipulated by various types of instrumentation such as interferometers, spectrometers, electro-optic devices, and nonlinear components.
Particular focus is given to how light can be utilized for noninvasive and non-intrusive measurements of entities such as distance, speed, and vibration, and material properties such as thermal expansion and indices of refraction of gases. Also its role in spectroscopic techniques for environmental monitoring, medical applications, and chemical analysis is highlighted.
In the second path, Advanced Material and Nanotechnology (AMN), the students will take courses focusing on the understanding of advanced materials, solar cells and nanotechnology.
The courses focus on properties of advanced materials, such as supercapacitors, organic electronics, superconductors, giant magnetoresistors, and how such and other materials can be utilized for various advanced applications.
The nanotechnology part focuses on how physical properties of materials change when the dimensions approach the nanometer scale and on materials that display such effects. Examples of materials and theories include carbon nanotubes, graphene, quantum dots, and theories to describe electrical and thermal transport for materials at the nanoscale.
Both study paths involve courses that have both theoretical and practical assignments and in all courses generic training is given a significant weight.
The Department of Physics is a good example of high quality in both education and research and we have received extra financial support for several young and promising researchers. The study atmosphere at the department is very international. Here you can read the opinions of previous physics students at UmU.
