Study Guidebook - Karlsruhe School of Optics & Photonics - KIT

Study Guidebook 2012/13 

M.Sc. program "Optics & Photonics"

Table of content 

1. Preamble ..............................................................................5 

2. Studies Plan.........................................................................6 

3. Contact ...............................................................................14 

4. Curriculum SPO 2012 .......................................................15 

5. 1. Semester: Introduction 31 CP ...................................19 

5.1 Compulsory Courses ................................................................................... 19 

5.1.1 Optical Engineering ............................................................................... 19 

5.1.2 Fundamentals of Optics and Photonics ................................................ 20 

5.1.3 Electromagnetics and Numerical Calculation of Fields ......................... 21 

Adjustment Courses .............................................................................................. 22 

5.1.4 Modern Physics .................................................................................... 22 

5.1.5 Measurement and Control Systems ...................................................... 23 

5.2 Lab Courses ................................................................................................ 24 

5.2.1 Optics and Photonics Lab I ................................................................... 24 

Description of offered Lab Courses ....................................................................... 25 

5.3 Additive key competencies .......................................................................... 34 

5.3.1 European Integration and Institutional Studies ..................................... 34 

5.3.2 Visual Communication and Culture ....................................................... 35 

5.3.3 German Language Courses .................................................................. 36 

5.3.4 Foreign Language Class ....................................................................... 37 

5.3.5 General Studies in English .................................................................... 38 

6. 2. Semester: Core Subjects 29 CP ............................39 

6.1 Compulsory Courses ................................................................................... 39 

6.1.1 Spectroscopic Methods ......................................................................... 39 

6.1.2 Theoretical Optics ................................................................................. 40 

6.1.3 Optoelectronic Components ................................................................. 41 

6.1.4 Nonlinear Optics ................................................................................... 42 

6.1.5 Microoptics and Lithography ................................................................. 42 

6.1.6 Basic Molecular Cell Biology ................................................................. 43 

2

6.1.7 Industry Internship ................................................................................ 44 

6.2 Lab Courses ................................................................................................ 44 

6.2.1 Optics and Photonics Lab II .................................................................. 44 

7. 3. Semester: Specialisation 30 CP ...............................45 

7.1 Elective Courses Photonic Materials and Devices ...................................... 45 

7.1.1 Solid-State Optics ................................................................................. 45 

7.1.2 Field propagation and coherence .......................................................... 46 

7.1.3 Advanced Inorganic Materials (only in summer term) ........................... 47 

7.1.4 Advanced Optical Materials .................................................................. 48 

7.1.5 Plastic Electronics ................................................................................. 48 

7.1.6 Solar Energy ......................................................................................... 49 

7.1.7 Optical Waveguides & Fibres ................................................................ 49 

7.1.8 Laser Physics........................................................................................ 51 

7.1.9 X-Ray Optics ......................................................................................... 52 

7.1.10 Research Project .................................................................................. 52 

7.2 Elective Courses Advanced Spectroscopy .................................................. 54 

7.2.1 Molecular Spectroscopy ........................................................................ 54 

7.2.2 Nano-Optics .......................................................................................... 55 

7.2.3 Laser Metrology (only in summer term) ................................................ 56 


7.2.5 Advanced Inorganic Materials (only in summer term) ........................... 57 

7.2.6 Laser Physics........................................................................................ 57 

7.2.7 Research Projects ................................................................................. 57 

7.3 Elective Courses Biomedical Photonics ...................................................... 58 

7.3.1 Imaging Techniques in Light Microscopy .............................................. 58 

7.3.2 Optics and Vision in Biology ................................................................. 59 

7.3.3 Nano-Optics .......................................................................................... 60 

7.3.4 Advanced Molecular Cell Biology .......................................................... 60 

7.3.5 Photochemistry ..................................................................................... 61 

7.3.6 Laser Physics........................................................................................ 62 

7.3.7 Exploring biomolecular interactions by single- molecule flourescence .. 62 


3

7.4 Elective Courses Optical Systems ............................................................... 63 

7.4.1 Systems and Software Engineering ...................................................... 63 

7.4.2 Machine Vision ...................................................................................... 63 

7.4.3 Optical Transmitters and Receivers ...................................................... 64 

7.4.4 Optical Waveguides and Fibres ............................................................ 64 

7.4.5 Light and Display Engineering .............................................................. 64 

7.4.6 Field propagation and coherence .......................................................... 65 


7.4.8 Laser Metrology (only in summer term) ................................................ 65 

7.4.9 Laser Physics........................................................................................ 65 

7.4.10 Laser Materials Processing ................................................................... 65 

7.4.11 Research Project .................................................................................. 66 

7.5 Elective Courses Solar Energy .................................................................... 66 

7.5.1 Solar Energy ......................................................................................... 66 


7.5.3 Electric Power Generation and Power Grid .......................................... 66 

7.5.4 Advanced Optical Materials .................................................................. 67 


7.5.6 Laser Materials Processing ................................................................... 67 


7.6 Additive key competencies .......................................................................... 67 

8. 4. Semester: Master Thesis 30 CP ................................67 

4

1. Preamble 

Optics & Photonics are vibrant fields of research and at the same time serve as 

important enabling technologies of many disciplines. Scientists and engineers are 

constantly pushing progress of our capabilities to generate, transmit, manipulate, 

detect, and utilize electromagnetic radiation (light) both on a classical and quantum 

level. In turn, they benefit from the availability of elaborated optical systems, 

advanced optical instrumentation and novel photonic devices. 

One particularly prominent example is the laser. Driven by theoretical ideas in the 

beginning, subsequent combined efforts of scientists and engineers have resulted in 

one of the most versatile tools for the natural sciences, industry, and consumer 

electronics. Applications of lasers can be found all the way from millions of low-cost 

laser diodes used in optical storage over selected semiconductor laser devices for 

long-haul data transmission to a few very high-power lasers in nuclear fusion 

research. 

As a result, scientists and engineers with a specialization in Optics & Photonics have 

excellent opportunities in companies that design and manufacture devices and 

components, optical systems and instrumentation, car suppliers, and in companies 

that manufacture enabling products. Optics & Photonics also provide plenty of 

opportunities for start-up companies. 

The creation of the interdisciplinary Master program in Optics & Photonics of the 

Karlsruhe School of Optics & Photonics (KSOP) is a direct consequence of the ever 

increasing need for highly qualified scientists and engineers in the fields of Photonic 

Materials & Devices, Advanced Spectroscopy, Biomedical Photonics, Optical 

Systems, and Solar Energy. 

5

2. Studies Plan 

Studies plan for the KSOP MSc program in Optics & 

Photonics (in accordance with SPO 2012) 

1. Introduction 

The structure of the international MSc course ‘Optics & Photonics’ is summarized in 

the figure below. The curriculum and the timetable are structured such that the M.Sc. 

degree can be obtained within two years. The course is subdivided into four stages: 

The first semester (introduction) is designed to accommodate the different 

backgrounds of the students entering the master program with a bachelor degree in 

natural sciences or engineering and to provide profound background knowledge in 

Optics & Photonics. In the second semester the students cover a broad range of the 

most important topics in Optics & Photonics (core subjects) spanning the whole 

range from fundamental science to technology. The students acquire in-depth 

knowledge in one of the interdisciplinary KSOP research areas in the third semester 

(specialization) and finally contribute to cutting-edge research during their master’s 

thesis. These four stages are complemented by the industrial internship, which is an 

essential and integral part of the master course. 

The allocation of credits and the examination scheme follow the recommendations of 

the ECTS Users’ Guide and are in concordance with the Landeshochschulgesetz of 

the state of Baden-Württemberg dated Jan. 1st, 2005. 

6

2. Overview of the course structure and curriculum 

For details on the relevance of the courses for the Master’s exam see also ‘Studies 

and Exam Regulations’ (SPO 2012) §17. All modules are listed in the ‘Detailed 

Curriculum’. With help of the module code one can find the extended module 

description which details among others course content, learning targets as well as 

modality and prerequisites for the exam. 

2.a Stage I (Introduction) 

This phase comprises an adjustment course, compulsory courses on fundamental 

topics and first practical experiences in a lab course. 

Due to the inhomogeneous nature of the degrees and education, an individual 

assignment of an adjustment course will be made for each student by the 

examination board. This assignment will be placed according to the students’ 

background. 6 CP are assigned to the adjustment course. 

The second task of the introduction phase is to provide all students with the 

fundamental knowledge necessary for the courses on core subjects and the 

specialization courses. This will be achieved by two compulsory subjects – ‘Physical 

Optics & Photonics’ (8 CP) and ‘Engineering Optics & Photonics’ (8 CP). ‘Physical 

7

Optics & Photonics’ comprises the course ‘Fundamentals of Optics and Photonics’. 

‘Engineering Optics & Photonics’ comprises the courses ‘Electrodynamics and 

Numerical Calculation of Fields’ (4 CP) and ‘Optical Engineering’ (4CP). 

Additionally the students will get a first hands-on experience in basic optics and 

measurement techniques in the ‘Optics and Photonics Lab I’ (5 CP). 

The first semester also includes a course on ‘Additive Key Competencies’ (3CP). 

2.b Stage II (Core Subjects) 

This phase has the goal to provide a comprehensive education in advanced optics 

and photonics and simultaneously give a review on this wide and diverse field. The 

central part of this stage is a block of five compulsory courses which span the whole 

range from fundamental science to applications, from theoretical optics to materials 

technology and from atomistic models to optical systems. The subject ‘Advanced 

Optics & Photonics – Theory and Materials’ (total 8 CP) comprises the courses : 

‘Theoretical Optics’ (4 CP) and ‘Nonlinear Optics’ (4 CP). The subject ‘Advanced 

Optics & Photonics – Methods and Components’ (total 10 CP) comprises 

‘Microoptics and Lithography’ (3 CP), ‘Optoelectronic Components’ (4 CP) and 

‘Spectroscopic Methods’ (3 CP). 

Since essentially none of students have a background in biology, the adjustment 

course ‘Basic Molecular Cell Biuology’ (2 CP) is compulsory for all. 

This central block of courses is complemented by the ‘Optics and Photonics Lab II’ (5 

CP). 

This wide-spread coverage of important topics in O&P will help the students to set 

the course for their vocational careers following the M.Sc. - be it in a research related 

environment like at a university, a Fraunhofer Institute or an industrial research lab or 

be it in industrial development and production. This aspect is further supported by an 

8-week industrial internship in the semester break between the 2nd and 3rd 

semesters (total 12 CP). 

2.c Stage III (Specialization) 

Elective lecture and project courses (total of 16 CP minimum) from the main research 

areas of KSOP and a research seminar course are the foundation of the third phase. 

The students have to select one of the following specialization areas: 

‘Photonic Materials and Devices’ 

‘Advanced Spectroscopy’ 

‘Biomedical Photonics’ 

‘Optical Systems’ 

‘Solar Energy’. 

8

All specialization areas feature a dedicated interdisciplinary character with lecture 

courses taken from the extensive repertoire of advanced lectures of the faculties 

participating in KSOP. The lectures are complemented by an optional ‘Research 

Project’ (4 CP) giving the students a first introduction into on-going research of one of 

the KSOP groups. 

The ‘Seminar Course’ (4 CP) serves to train the presentation skills of the students 

and provides a broad review on the research topics at KSOP. 

The students have to complement their studies in this stage by ‘Additional Key 

Competencies’ (3 CP). 

2.d Master Thesis 

The master thesis is the last step towards the M.Sc. degree. We allocate an overall 

time of six month for the duration of the research phase, the time for writing up and 

for presenting the thesis in a colloquium (total 30 CP). The research towards the 

thesis will be performed in the group of one of the participating principal investigators 

or in an industrial research lab. The topic of the thesis has to be related to the area of 

optics and photonics and will be in any case supervised and refereed by a principal 

investigator of the KSOP. For more details see also SPO §11. 

2.e Summary of credits and exams 

1. Sem. 

Introduction 

2. Sem. 

Core Subjects 

3. Sem. 

Specialization 

4. Sem. 

Thesis 

Physical O&P 

Engineering O&P 

Adjustment Course 

O&P Lab I 

Additive Key Competencies 

Advanced Optics & Photonics – 

Theory and Materials 

Methods and Components 

O&P Lab I 

Adj. Course Biomedical Photonics 

9 

Credits weight of 

exam for 

total grade 

8 CP 

8 CP 

6 CP 

5 CP 

3 CP 

8 CP 

10 CP 

5 CP 

2 CP 

Industrial Internship (8 weeks) 12 CP 

Elective Lectures and optional 

Research Project 

Seminar Course 

Additive Key Competencies 

Master Thesis (6 months) 

(including presentation) 

16 CP 

4 CP 

3 CP 

8 CP 

8 CP 

8 CP 

10 CP 

16 CP 

30 CP 30 CP

3. Modules, exams and credits 

10 

120 CP 50 + 30 CP 

3.1 Adjustment Courses 

Some basic topics – modern physics, measurement and control technique, as well as 

a three semester course in mathematics - are judged as compulsory prerequisites for 

a course in optics and photonics. Most students will have covered most of these 

topics during their B.Sc. studies. The first semester adjustment course (6 CP) is 

intended to mend the most obvious deficiencies. As a rule, physicists or chemists 

will have to sign up for a measurement and control technique course, engineers for a 

course in modern physics. Only in exceptions students will have to sign up for a 

second course (e.g., when the background in mathematics is insufficient, or for 

students with no background in both physics and engineering science). The credit of 

6 CP can be recognized for students, which have covered the whole list of basic 

topics. 

All students are required to participate in the adjustment course in the area 

biomedical photonics (2CP) in the second semester. 

3.2 Optics and Photonics Lab I/II 

The O&P Lab I/II comprises a series of optical experiments selected from the 

advanced laboratory courses of the KSOP departments to amend the student’s 

theoretical knowledge from the fundamental courses. According to the time required 

to complete an experiment, lab units are awarded (one lab unit should correspond 

roughly to ½ day’s work). Students have to collect 15 lab units in total over the 

course of two semesters, of which at least four lab units from the department of 

physics, at least five lab units from the department of electrical engineering must be 

chosen. Upon completion of the whole course a total of 10 credit points will be 

awarded. 

As a general rule, the students have to pass three stages in each lab – (1) 

preparation, (2) realization of the experiment, and (3) protocol/presentation. For each 

stage a mark is given by the supervisor (‘+’: good, ‘o’: neutral, ‘-‘: unsatisfactory). The 

particular requirements to earn these marks are fixed by the supervisor of the 

respective lab. If one of the three marks is a ‘-‘, the lab has to be repeated or 

replaced. 

3.3 Industry Internship 

After the successful completion of the industry internship, 12 CP will be awarded to 

the students. Beside the 8-week project work in industry, the academic record 

includes the internship confirmation, an internship report, and the internship 

presentation. The internship will be graded with passed/ fail. 

The internship confirmation is issued directly by the company. The confirmation 

should be signed by the supervisor and contain the following information (1) the

student’s name, birthday and matriculation number, (2) start and end date of the 

internship (minimum eight weeks without vacations), (3) the title of the project, and 

(4) company, sector and supervisor. The internship report comprises a written report 

and evaluation to be handed in to the responsible KSOP docent. In the internship 

presentation the students have to present the project work of your internships in the 

audience of their study group. 

3.4 Seminar Course 

An important building block of stage III is the seminar course. All students have to 

attend this common seminar which features talks on hot research topics from all 

specialization areas. Thus the seminar will serve simultaneously several tasks. By 

giving an overview over the whole research in optics and photonics in Karlsruhe, it 

will provide for the students a balance between their specialization and an 

indispensable broad background. Furthermore, the students will learn how to present 

a scientific topic to a peer audience. This includes the basic soft skills of presentation 

techniques like Power Point. 

The talks (about 30 minutes each plus discussion, two talks per seminar) will be 

given by the students and supervised by researchers from the KSOP PI groups. 

Besides presenting their own talks, students are required to participate in all talks of 

their course. 

3.5 Elective Lecture Courses: Specialization Subjects and Additional Subjects 

The students can choose from an extensive list of courses/modules within the 

specialization areas listed in 2c). These courses have to add up to 16 CP (including 

an optional Research Project) required for the specialisation subject. Up to three 

modules can be chosen as additional subjects, which are listed including their 

grading in the transcript of records. 

Before participation in written or oral exams (SPO § 4(2), No. 1 and 2) in modules or 

partial modules from the elective area (specialization subject or additional subjects) 

the student has to hand in a declaration to the ‘Studienbüro’, stating whether this 

exam should be listed (including grading!) in the transcript of records. The student 

can attribute the exam to a specialization subject or to an additional subject 

subsequently. In case this declaration has not been given, the (partial) module will 

only be listed in the diploma supplement. 

3.6 Research Project 

The 3rd semester Research Project is optional, but highly recommended for students 

not working in a KSOP institute as research assistants. The Research Project 

augments the theoretical knowledge acquired in the elective lecture courses by 

application to hands-on research in the respective KSOP research area. Research 

projects can also be part of cooperative projects with industry. During the Research 

Project the student has also the chance to explore possible topics for the subsequent 

master thesis. 

11

The project work will be supervised by one of the principal investigators. The date is 

to be fixed individually. The format can be: 

a 1,5 week block course in the semester break 

a consecutive work of 4h/week during the entire semester 

A written report of about 10 pages (at the discretion of the supervisor) concludes the 

Research Project. The overall performance of the students will be graded. The mark 

and the allocated 4CP are optional part of the elective courses in the specialization 

direction. 

3.7. Key Competencies 

A total of 6 CP has to be earned in ‚additional key competencies’ courses offered by 

various KIT institutions (HoC, ID, ZAK, Language Center). 

Language courses (in particular German language) are encouraged. No credit is 

given for courses in English or in the student’s native language. 

3.8 Master’s thesis (SPO §11) 

The master’s thesis can only be assigned by an examiner according to § 15(2) of the 

SPO. In case the master’s thesis shall be written outside of the four faculties involved 

in KSOP the approval of the examination committee is required. 

Preconditions for the accreditation of a master’s thesis are regulated in § 11 of the 

official study and examination regulations (SPO). The thesis can only be started 

when there is a maximum of two exams left to complete. The student has to 

complete the internship, the key competencies, the O&P labs and the seminar course 

before starting the master’s thesis. 

For registration of the thesis the certificate of admission (‘Zulassungsbescheinigung’ 

= green form to be collected at the ‘Studienbüro’) and a supervision agreement have 

to completed by the supervisor. The supervision agreement (original) has to be 

returned to the KSOP Office and a copy has to be handed in to the institute. 

The master’s thesis has to be finished within six months. Extension can be granted 

by the Examination Board upon request of the KSOP supervisor. Six months after the 

starting date, the student has to hand in the master’s thesis to the supervisor (two 

printed copies and an electronic version) and to KSOP office (in electronic form). If 

the thesis is not handed in within this period the Examination Board will take the final 

decision. 

The master’s thesis will be graded within 6 – 8 weeks by the examiner. This 

examiner has to be ‘Hochschullehrer’ or ‘Privatdozent’ within KSOP. The topic and 

grade shall be marked on the green form. The supervisor needs to hand in the green 

form to the KSOP office (which will send it to the Studienbüro). In case there is a 

dissenting grading by a second examiner (according to SPO §15(2)) the final grade 

will be issued by the examination board. 

12

3.9. Written statement to be given with written controls of success and the 

master’s theses (SPO §§ 6(9) and 11(5)) 

Additional to the statement (in German) to be given by the student with written 

papers (control of success of another type) and with the master’s thesis the English 

translation of this statement will be listed as follows: 

‘I herewith declare that the present thesis/paper is original work written by me alone 

and that I have indicated completely and precisely all aids used as well as all 

citations, whether changed or unchanged, of other theses and publications.’ 

4. Recognition of exams and study achievements from other 

institutions 

Recognition of parts of the master’s examination shall be denied as a rule, if 

recognition of more than half of the credits or more than half of the module 

examinations or recognition of the master’s thesis has been applied for. 

In particular, as a rule the exams of the core subjects should be taken at KSOP and 

one of the supervisors/examiners of the master’s thesis has to be ‘Hochschullehrer’ 

or ‘Privatdozent’ of the KSOP. 

For more details on recognition of exams and study achievements see SPO §16. 

13

3. Contact 

Dr.-Ing. Judith Elsner 

KSOP Manager 

International Department 

Prof. Dr. Heinz Kalt 

Dean of Studies 

Prof. Dr. Uli Lemmer 

KSOP Coordinator 

Contact Persons Contact Details 

Dipl.-Phys. Andreas Merz 

Scientific Advisor Lab Courses 

Applied Physics 

Dr. Aina Quintilla 

Scientific Advisor Project & Seminar Courses 

Mentor Ph.D. program 

Miriam Sonnenbichler 

M.Sc. Program Manager 

Prof. Dr. Christoph Stiller 

Head of Examination Board 

Tobias Strauß 

Office of Examination Board 

Dr. Michael Hetterich 

Lab Coordinator 

Denica Angelova 

Ph.D. Program Manager 

14 

E-Mail: elsner@ksop.de 

Office: +49 (0)721 608 -47881 

E-Mail: heinz.kalt@kit.edu 

Office: +49 (0)721 608 - 43420 

E-Mail: uli.lemmer@kit.edu 

Office: +49 (0)721 608 - 42531 

E-Mail: andreas.merz@kit.edu 

Office: +49 (0)721 608 - 43460 

E-Mail: aina.quintilla@kit.edu 

Office: +49 (0)721 608 - 42547 

E-Mail: sonnenbichler@ksop.de 

Office: +49 (0)721 608 – 47687 

E-Mail: christoph.stiller@kit.edu 

Office: +49 (0)721 608 - 42325 

E-Mail: strauss@kit.edu 

Office: +49 721 608 - 42336 

E-mail: michael.hetterich@kit.edu 

Office: +49 721 608 - 43402 

E-mail: angelova@ksop.de 

Office: +49 721 608 - 47842

4. Curriculum SPO 2012 

(subject to changes, version of October 1, 2012) 

XYZ / XYZ I Subject / Module 

15 

hours/week 

V: lecture 

Ü: problems 

class 

P: lab 

1. Semester 30 

module CP / 

total CP 

Person in 

Charge / 

Lecturer 

EngO&P Engineering Optics and Photonics 8 

Electromagnetics and Numerical Calculation of 

EngO&P-EM V2+Ü1 

Fields 

4 Dössel 

EngO&P-OE Optical Engineering V2+Ü1 4 Stork 

PhysO&P Physical Optics and Photonics 8 

PhysO&P- 

FOP 

Fundamentals of Optics and Photonics V4+Ü2 8 Kalt 

O&PL Optics and Photonics Lab* 

5 of 10 

in total* 

Hetterich, 

Merz 

O&PL I Optics and Photonics Lab I 

* second part of O&PL in 2 

P3 5 div. 

nd semester 

AdjC Adjustment Course* ** 

6 of 8 in 

total** 

AdjC-MCS Measurement and Control Systems V3+Ü1 6 Stiller 

AdjC-MP Modern Physics 

* assignment of student to AdjC-MCS or AdjC- 

MP is made by examination board 

** completed in 2 

V4+Ü1 6 Pilawa 

nd semester 

AKC Additive Key Competencies* 

AKC-VCC Visual Communication and Culture 3 


total* 

Wägenbaur 

(ZAK) 

AKC-JMCS 

European Integration and Identity Studies 

(Jean Monnet Circle Seminar) 

3 ZAK 

AKC-GLC German Language Courses 2 Reck (ID) 

AKC-FLC 

Foreign Language Class 

(except mother tongue and English) 

1 or 2 SPZ 

AKC-GSE General Studies in English 

more courses available from International 

Department ID, House of Competence HoC, 

Zentrum für Angewandte Kulturwissenschaften 

ZAK, and Sprachenzentrum SPZ 

* completed in 3 

1 - 3 ZAK 

rd semester

AO&P-TM 

AO&P-TM- 

TO 

AO&P-TM- 

NLO 

AO&P-MC 

AO&P-MC- 

SM 

AO&P-MC- 

OC 

AO&P-MC- 

MOL 


Advanced Optics and Photonics – Theory 

and Materials 

Theoretical Optics V2+Ü1 4 NN 

Nonlinear Optics V2+Ü1 4 Leuthold 

Advanced Optics and Photonics – Methods 

and Components 

Spectroscopic Methods V2 3 Kappes 

Optoelectronic Components V2+Ü1 4 Freude 

Microoptics and Lithography V2 3 Mappes 

AdjC Adjustment Course* 


total* 

AdjC-BMCB Basic Molecular Cell Biology (compulsory) 

* continued from 1 

V1 2 Weth 

st semester 

O&PL Optics and Photonics Lab* P6 


in total* 

Hetterich, 

Merz 

O&PL II Optics and Photonics Lab II 


P3 5 div. 

st semester 

IndInt Industry Internship* 


in total* Stiller 

IndInt I Industry Internship: Introduction 

* continued in 3 

5 Stiller 

rd semester 


Sp-PMD 

Specialization - Photonic Materials and 

Devices* 

16 in 

total* 

Sp-SSO Solid-State Optics V4 6 Hetterich 

Sp-FPC Field propagation and coherence V2+Ü1 4 Freude 

Sp-AOM Advanced Optical Materials V3+Ü1 6 

Wegener, 

Pernice 

Sp-AIM Advanced Inorganic Materials (only in SS) V2 3 Feldmann 

Sp-PE Plastic Electronics V2 3 Lemmer 

Sp-SolE Solar Energy V3+Ü1 6 Colsmann 

Sp-OWF Optical Waveguides and Fibers V2+Ü1 4 Koos 

Sp-LP Laser Physics V2+Ü1 4 Eichhorn 

Sp-XRO X-Ray Optics V2 3 Last 

Sp-RProj Research Project 4 

Kalt, 

Quintilla 

16 

8 

10

Sp-AS 

* elective courses 

Specialization - Advanced Spectroscopy* 

16 in 

total* 

Sp-MS Molecular Spectroscopy V2+Ü1 4 Kappes 

Sp-NO Nano-Optics V2 3 Naber 

Sp-LM Laser Metrology (only in SS) V2 3 Eichhorn 


Sp-AIM Advanced Inorganic Materials (only in SS) V2 3 Feldmann 


Sp-RProj Research Project 


4 

Kalt, 

Quintilla 

Sp-BMP Specialization - Biomedical Photonics* 

16 in 

total* 

Sp-AMCB Advanced Molecular Cell Biology (compulsory) V2+Ü1 5 Weth 

Sp-EBI 

Exploring biomolecular interactions by singlemolecule 

fluorescence 

V2 3 Nienhaus 

Sp-ITL Imaging Techniques in Light Microscopy V2 3 Bastmeyer 

Sp-OVB Optics and Vision in Biology V3 4 

17 

Bastmeyer, 

Weth 

Sp-NO Nano-Optics V2 3 Naber 

Sp-OPC Photochemistry V2 3 

Wagenknec 

ht 



* elective courses except for Sp-AMCB 

Sp-OS Specialization - Optical Systems* 

Sp-SSE Systems and Software Engineering V2+Ü1 4 

16 in 

total* 

Kalt, 

Quintilla 

Müller- 

Glaser 

Sp-MV Machine Vision V3+P1 6 Lauer 

Sp-OTM Optical Transmitters and Receivers V2+Ü1 4 

Leuthold, 

Freude 

Sp-OWF Optical Waveguides and Fibers V2+Ü1 4 Koos 

Sp-LDE Light and Display Engineering V2+Ü1 4 Kling 

Sp-FPC Field propagation and coherence V2+Ü1 4 Freude 


Sp-LM Laser Metrology (only in SS) V2 3 Eichhorn 


Sp-LMP Laser Materials Processing 

block 

course 



3 Graf 

Kalt, 

Quintilla

Sp-SE Specialization – Solar Energy* 

16 in 

total* 

Sp-SolE Solar Energy (compulsory) V3+Ü1 6 Colsmann 


Sp-EPG Electric Power Generation and Power Grid V2 3 Hoferer 

Sp-AOM Advanced Optical Materials V3+Ü1 6 

Wegener, 

Pernice 


Sp-LMP Laser Materials Processing 

block 

course 

3 Graf 

Sp-RProj Research Project 

* elective courses except for Sp-SolE 

4 

Kalt, 

Quintilla 

SemC 

Seminar Course 

(Research Topics in Optics & Photonics) 

18 

4 

Kalt, 

Quintilla 

IndInt Industry Internship* 


in total* Stiller 

IndInt II Industry Internship: Specialization and Report 


7 Stiller 

nd semester 

AKC Additive key competencies* ** 

* continued from 1 st semester 

** for list of modules see 1 st semester 


MThes Master`s Thesis 30 


total* 

KSOP 

Lecturers

5. 1. Semester: Introduction 31 CP 

5.1 Compulsory Courses 

5.1.1 Optical Engineering 

Semester 

1. 

Module 

Type 

Module 

Code 

EngO&P- 

OE 

compulsory each WS 

Overall Course Objectives 

Module Name 

19 

Person Responsible 

for Module 

Credit 

Points 

Optical Engineering Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Stork 4 

Recurrence Mode of Teaching Workload Type of Examination 

Lecture and problem 

class 

total 120 h, hereof 45 h 

contact hours (30 h 

lecture, 15 h problem 

class), and 75 h 

homework and selfstudies 

Duration of 

Examination 

Oral exam ~30 Minutes 

The students from different backgrounds refresh and elaborate their knowledge of engineering optics and photonics. They will 

get to know the basic principles of optical designs. They will connect these principles with real-world applications and learn 

about their problems and how to solve them. The students will know about the human view ability and the eye system. After 

the course they will be able to judge the basic qualities of an optical system by its quantitative data. 

Learning targets 

The students 

understand fundamental optical phenomena and their consequences for optical engineering 

can work with the basic tools of optical engineering, i.e. ray-tracking by abcd-matrixes 

get a broad knowledge over optical applications 

are aware of the potential and importance of optical design for industrial, medical and day-to-day applications 

know some famous optical engineering problems and their solutions 

Couse Content 

I. Introduction (Optical Phenomena) 

II. Ray Optics (thin/thick lenses, principal planes, abcd, chief ray, examples: Eye, IOL) 

III. Popular Applications (Magnifying glass, microscope, telescope, Time-of-flight) 

IV. Wave Optics (Interference, Diffraction, Spectrometers, LDV) 

V. Abberations I (Coma, defocus, astigmatism, spherical aberration, …) 

VI. Fourier Optics (Periodical patterns, FFT spectrum, airy-patterns) 

VII. Abberation II (Seidel and Zernike Abberations, MTF, PSF, Example: Eye) 

VIII. Fourier Optics II (Kirchhoff + Fresnel, contrast, example: Hubble-telescope) 

IX. Diffractive Optics Application (Gratings, holography, IOL, CD/DVD/Blu-Ray-Player) 

X. Interference (Coherence, OCT) 

XI. Filters and Mirrors (Filters, antireflection, polarisation, micromirrors, DLPs) 

XII. Laser and Laser Safety (Laser principle, laser types, laser safety aspects) 

XIII. Displays (Picoprojectors, LCD, LED, OLED, properties of displays) 

Literature 

E. Hecht: Optics 

J.W. Goodman: Introduction to Fourier optics 

K.K. Sharma: Optics - Principles and Applications 

Prerequisites 

Solid mathematical background 

Modality of Exam 

The oral examinations are scheduled after the lecture term. Please contact Professor Stork for an appointment. This 

examination can be combined with an exam of Optical Design Lab. 

Prerequisites for participation at exam and/or for acquisition of credit points 

There are no prerequisites for participation at this examination.

5.1.2 Fundamentals of Optics and Photonics 

1. 

Semester 

Module 

Type 

Module 

Code 

PhysO&P- 

FOP 



Module Name 

20 


for Module 

Fundamentals of Optics and Photonics Prof. Dr. Heinz Kalt 8 


Lecture (including 

demonstration 

experiments) and 

problem class 

total 240 h, hereof 90h 

contact hours (60h 

lecture, 30h problem 

class), and 150h 


Credit 

Points 


Examination 

written exam 120 Minutes 

The students from different backgrounds refresh and elaborate their knowledge of basic optics and photonics. They 

comprehend the physics of optical phenomena and their application in simple optical components. They learn how to describe 

physical laws in a mathematical form and how to verify these laws in experiments, i.e. they acquire scientific methodology. 

They train to solve problems in basic and applied optics & photonics by mathematical evaluation of physical laws. 


The students 

can derive the description of basic optical phenomena from the ray, wave or particle properties of light 

know how to calculate ray paths using matrix optics and how to apply the laws of beam optics 

understand the implications of anisotropic media to the polarization of light and related device application 

comprehend the concepts of coherence, interference and diffraction and are aware of their importance in optics and 

photonics 

are able to design and evaluate the performance of interference/diffraction based optical devices like 

interferometers, optical coatings, spectrometers and holograms 

know how to apply mathematical concepts like correlation functions and Fourier transformation to the solution of 

optical problems 

are familiar with basic microscopic models of light-matter interaction and are able to apply these concepts to 

describe phenomena like light propagation, frequency-dependence of optical constants, absorption and emission 

conceive the operation principle of various types of lasers 

have a good visualization of numerous optical phenomena acquired from the demonstration experiments 

they understand how scientific research advances by the interplay of experimental findings, phenomenological 

description and mathematical treatment 

Course Content 

I. Introduction (Ray Optics; Wave Optics; Photons) 

II. Beam Optics (Gaussian Modes, Effect of Optical Components on Gaussian Beams) 

III. Polarization and Optical Anisotropy (Polarization, Jones Vectors and Matrizes; Birefringence and its Applications; Optical 

Activity; Induced Anisotropy and Modulators) 

IV. Coherence, Interference and Diffraction (Spatial and Temporal Coherence, Fourier Transformation, Correlation Functions, 

Interference; Interferometer; Fourier Spectroscopy; Multi-Beam Interference, Fabry-Perot, Dielectric and Bragg Mirrors; 

Diffraction at Slit, Aperture and Grating; Fresnel and Fraunhofer Diffraction; Fourier Optics; Diffraction-Limited Resolution; 

Spectrometer; Diffractive Optics, Holography) 

V. Light and Matter (Lorentz Oscillator Model, Dielectric Function, Polariton Propagation; Kramers-Kronig Relations; Two-Level 

Systems, Einstein Coefficients, Fermi‘s Golden Rule) 

VI. Laser: Basic Principles (Components of a Laser, Types of Lasers; Short-Pulse Generation) 

Literature 

D. Meschede: Optics, Light and Lasers 

B.E.A. Saleh, M.C.Teich: Fundamentals of Photonics 

F.G. Smith, T.A. King and D. Wilkins: Optics and Photonics, An Introduction 

Prerequisites 

Solid mathematical background, basic knowledge in physics 


The written exam is scheduled for the beginning of the break after the WS. A resit exam is offered at the end of the break. A 

test exam is offered before the Christmas holidays. 


One exercise sheet is handed out to the students as homework each week. Solutions of the problems have to be submitted 

within one week. Submission in groups of two students is possible. An overall amount of 40% of the problems given in the 

exercises (the test exam is counted equivalent to an exercise sheet) have to be solved correctly. Additionally active 

participation in the problems classes (two times presentation of solutions on blackboard in class) is required to qualify for the 

written exam.

5.1.3 Electromagnetics and Numerical Calculation of Fields 

Semester 

1. 

Module 

Type 

Module 

Code 

EngO&P- 

EM 



Module Name 

Electromagnetics and Numerical Calculation of 

Fields 

21 


for Module 

Credit 

Points 

Prof. Dr. Olaf Dössel 4 



demonstration) and 

problem class 


contact hours (30h lecture, 

15h problem class), and 75h 

homework and self-studies 


Examination 


Students with very different background in electromagnetic field theory will be brought to a high level of comprehension. They 

will understand the concept of electric & magnetic fields and of electric potential & vector potential and they will be able to 

solve simple problems of electric & magnetic fields using mathematics. They will understand the equations and solutions of 

wave creation and wave propagation. Finally the student will have learnt the basics of numerical field calculation and be able 

to use software packages of numerical field calculation in a comprehensive and critical way. 


The students will 

be able to deal with all quantities of electromagnetic field theory (E, D, B, H, J, M, P, …..), in particular: how to calculate 

and how to measure them, 

derive various equations from the Maxwell equations to solve simple field problems (electrostatics, magnetostatics, steady 

currents, electromagnetics), 

be able to deal with the concept of field energy density and solve practical problems using it (coefficients of capacitance 

and coefficients of inductance), 

be able to derive and use the wave equation, in particular: to solve problems how to create a wave and calculate solutions 

of wave propagation through various media, 

be able to outline the concepts, the main application areas and the limitations of methods of numerical field calculation 

(FDM, FDTD, FIM, FEM, BEM, MoM, TKM) 

be able to use one exemplary software package of numerical field calculation and solve simple practical problems with it. 

Couse Content 

Maxwell-Equations and Definitions, Dielectric and Magnetic Materials, Boundary Conditions 

Coordinate Systems, Differential Operators grad, div, rot, Laplace 

el. Potentials, Separation of Variables, Inverse Operators, Greens Function, 

Uniqueness Theorem, Dirichlet & Neumann Problems 

Field Energy Density, Poynting Vector, Capacitance Coefficients, Inductance Coefficients, 

Vector Potential, Biot Savart, Calculation of B for given J, Calculation of Inductance 

Magnetostatics, Steady Electric Currents, Conservation of Charge 

Law of Induction, Displacement Current, Retarded Potentials, 

Wave Equation, Hertz-Dipole, Wave Propagation, Plane Waves, Spherical Waves, Polarization 

Skin Effect, Eddy-Currents, Diffusion-Equation 

Transmission Lines, Translation from E and H to V and I, Lumped Element Circuits 

TE, TM, TEM Waves, Waveguides 

Introduction to Methods of Numerical Field Calculation 

Finite Difference Method FDM and Finite Difference Time Domain FDTD 

Finite Integral Method FIM, Finite Element Method FEM, Boundary Element Method BEM 

Method of Moments MoM, Transmission Line Matrix Method TLM 

Literature 

Matthew Sadiku (2001), Numerical Techniques in Electromagnetics. 

CRC Press, Boca Raton, 0-8493-1395-3 

Allen Taflove and Susan Hagness (2000), Computational electrodynamics: the finite-difference time-domain method. 

Artech House, Boston, 1-58053-076-1 

Nathan Ida and Joao Bastos (1997), Electromagnetics and calculation of fields. 

Springer Verlag, New York, 0-387-94877-5 

Z. Haznadar and Z. Stih (2000), Electromagnetic Fields, Waves and Numerical Methods. 

IOS Press, Ohmsha, 1 58603 064 7 

M.V.K. Chari and S.J. Salon (2000), Numerical Methods in Electromagnetism 

Academic Press, 0 12 615760 X 

Prerequisites 

Solid mathematical background, basic knowledge in electric and magnetic fields 


The written exam is scheduled for the beginning of the break after the WS. 


One exercise sheet is handed out to the students as homework fortnightly. Solutions of the problems are submitted voluntary. 

Submission in groups of two students is possible. Participation in the problems classes is required to qualify for the written 

exam.

Adjustment Courses 

5.1.4 Modern Physics 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 

22 


for Module 

1. AdjC-MP Modern Physics Prof. Dr. Bernd Pilawa 6 

Module 

Type 

compulsory 

(course is 

assigned to 

student by 

examination 

board) 


each WS 



class 






Credit 

Points 


Examination 


The students from different backgrounds refresh and elaborate their knowledge of basic physics. They comprehend the 

fundamentals of quantum physics and their application to atoms, nuclei and particles. They learn how to describe physical 

laws in a mathematical form and how to solve problems in modern physics by mathematical evaluation of these physical laws. 


The students 

are familiar with the basic experimental results leading to Maxwell’s equations 

know how to apply Maxwell’s equations to simple problems in electromagnetism 

understand the principles of wave physics 

conceive the relation between relativity and electromagnetism 

comprehend the coherence of the particle and wave description of light and matter 

understand the basic principles leading to the Dirac- and Schrödinger-equation 

are able the apply the Schrödinger-equation to basic problems in quantum mechanics 

comprehend the limits of wave mechanics 

have a good understanding of atoms with many electrons 

understand the basic properties of nuclei 

know the fundamental particles and interactions 


I. Introduction 

II. Electromagnetism (Maxwell’s equations) 

III. Waves (Wave equation, plane waves, dispersion, electromagnetic waves) 

IV. Special Relativity (Lorentz-Transformation, four-vectors, energy and momentum, electromagnetic four–potential) 

V. Wave Particle Duality (Compton-effect, Photo-effect, thermal radiation) 

VI. Material Waves (de Broglie wave-length, Davisson-Germer experiment, Bohr’s atomic model, uncertainty relations) 

VII. Quantum Mechanics (Dirac- and Schrödinger equation) 

VIII. Atoms (H-Atom, Orbitals, Pauli-Principle, Hund’s rules) 

IX. Nuclei and Particles (droplet model, nuclear force, nuclear decay, weak- and strong-interaction) 

Literature 

Paul A. Tipler: Physics for engineers and scientists 

Paul A. Tipler: Modern Physics 

Prerequisites 



The written exam is scheduled in the beginning of each semester. 


None

5.1.5 Measurement and Control Systems 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 

23 


for Module 

1. AdjC-MCS Measurement and Control Systems Prof. Christoph Stiller 6 

Module 

Type 

compulsory 

(course is 

assigned to 

student by 

examination 

board) 


each WS 



class 





homework and selfstudies, 

an additional 

tutorial is offered 

Credit 

Points 


Examination 


The students from different backgrounds acquire fundamental knowledge in systems theory as needed for measurement and 

control of physical entities. They understand the principles of information acquisition about the state of a system through 

measurement and the assessment of measurement uncertainty. Furthermore they are able to model and mathematically 

describe dynamic systems in time and frequency domain. They gather methodological background to design appropriate 

controllers to manipulate the system state. They are able to transfer their theoretical knowledge to real world problems. 


The students 

possess knowledge in the theory of linear time-invariant systems in time domain, state space, and frequency domain 

can formulate a system model for practical devices 

can design a controller and assess closed-loop stability of the control loop 

understand the basic concept of measurement uncertainty and its propagation 

are able to estimate parameters from measurements 

understand the process and methodology of control engineering 

gather insight on interdisciplinary modelling for control of large and complex systems 


I. Dynamic systems 

II. Properties of important systems and modeling 

III. Transfer characteristics and stability 

IV. State-space description 

V. Controller design 

VI. Fundamentals of measurement 

VII. Estimation 

VIII. Sensors 

IX. Introduction to digital measurement 

Literature 

C. Stiller: Measurement and Control, scriptum 

R. Dorf and R. Bishop: Modern Control Systems, Addison-Wesley 

C. Phillips and R. Harbor: Feedback Control Systems, Prentice-Hall 

Prerequisites 



The written exam is scheduled for the beginning of each break after the WS and after the SS. 


none

5.2 Lab Courses 

5.2.1 Optics and Photonics Lab I 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 

1./2. O&PL I/II Optics and Photonics Lab I/II 

Module 

Type 

compulsory 

24 


for Module 

Priv-Doz. Dr. 

Michael Hetterich 


each WS (I) 

and SS (II) 


guided lab work 

total 300 h (split between 

WS and SS), hereof 60 h 

contact hours (lab work) and 

240 h preparation, data 

analysis, and report writing 

marked individual 

labs, see “Modality of 

Exam” 

Credit Points 

10 (total for labs 

in WS and SS, 

O&PL I + II) 


Examination 

see “Modality of 

Exam” 

The students apply their theoretical knowledge in optics and photonics from the fundamental courses in practical lab work. 

They learn how to prepare and carry out experiments, analyse the obtained data as well as how to summarize and discuss 

their results in a scientific report. 


The students 

can design, build, align, and utilize optical set-ups 

are familiar with optical devices (e.g., lasers, organic light-emitting diodes, detectors, solar cells, optical fibers) and 

systems (e.g., machine vision, optical tweezers) 

understand interferometric methods 

know optics-related fabrication techniques 

understand various types of optical spectroscopy 

are familiar with practical applications of optical systems in physics, engineering, chemistry, and biology 

are able to scientifically analyse experimental data and critically discuss their results 

can write a scientific report 


The Optics & Photonics Lab comprises a series of different labs covering a wide range of topics from advanced laboratory 

courses of the Departments of Physics, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, as well 

as Chemistry and Bio-Sciences. 

The students will deepen and apply their theoretical knowledge from the fundamental courses by exploring different aspects of 

optics and photonics from optical spectroscopy (absorption and transmission spectroscopy of semiconductors, Zeeman effect, 

magneto-optical Kerr effect, femtosecond spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, …), interferometers (Fabry-Pérot, Mach– 

Zehnder), and fundamental quantum optics (quantum eraser) up to devices (e.g., solar cells, organic light-emitting diodes, 

fluorescent lamps, optical sensors), fiber optics, nanotechnology, integrated optics, and finally optical systems and their 

applications (e.g., cognitive automobile labs / machine vision, biological fluorescence microscopy, optical tweezers, etc.). 

The number of labs in the different areas is constantly growing and evolving. Therefore, at the beginning of the first semester, 

a list with descriptions of the individual labs currently offered by the different faculties is provided to the students. 

Literature 

Preparation material for the labs including descriptions of the set-ups, tasks to perform, and the required background 

information / literature etc. are provided by the supervisors of the individual experiments beforehand. 

Prerequisites 

Basic background in optics and photonics, as well as physics. 


At the beginning of the first semester, the students choose a number of labs from the list of lab descriptions provided on a first 

come, first served basis (e-mail to the lab coordinator, currently andreas.merz@kit.edu), so that they can be registered with 

the respective department’s labs. The successful completion of an individual lab is awarded by a certain number of lab units 

(specified in the list, one lab unit roughly corresponds to ½ day’s work). In order to pass, the students have to collect at least 

15 lab units in total over the course of two semesters, of which at least 3 lab units from the Department of Physics and at least 

5 lab units from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology must be chosen. 


Before each lab the corresponding supervisor must be contacted in order to obtain the required preparation material. In a short 

interview before the actual lab, the supervisor checks if the students are properly prepared. For each lab a written report / data 

analysis has to be handed in to the supervisor. Based on the interview, the lab work and the report, the individual labs are 

marked with “+”, “0” or “-“. If marked “-” overall or in one of its parts, the individual lab has to be repeated (or substituted by 

another one), otherwise the corresponding number of lab units will be awarded. Upon completion of the whole course (I + II, a 

minimum of 15 lab units in total), the students are awarded 10 credit points.

Description of offered Lab Courses 

Lecturers: 

Dr. Michael Hetterich, Dr. Christoph Sürgers (Department of Physics) 

Dr. habil. Andreas Unterreiner, Dr. Franco Weth (Department of Chemistry and 

Biosciences) Siegwart Bogatscher, Jingshi Li, Dr. Swen König, Dr.-Ing. Klaus 

Trampert (Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology) 

Uwe Hollenbach, Dr. Martin Lauer, Tobias Wienhold (Department of Mechanical 

Engineering) 

Content: 

This laboratory course comprises a series of optical experiments selected from the 

advanced laboratory courses of the departments of physics, electrical engineering 

and information technology, and mechanical engineering. The students will amend 

their theoretical knowledge from the fundamental courses by exploring, e.g., light 

emitters, high-resolution spectroscopy, interferometers, fiber optics or solar cells. 

Depending on the usual time required to complete one lab, they award lab units (one 

lab unit should correspond roughly to ½ day’s work). Students have to collect 15 lab 

units in total over the course of two semesters, of which at least 3 lab units from the 

department of physics and at least 5 lab units from the department of electrical 

engineering must be chosen. The labs will be marked with +/0/-. In case if “-”, the lab 

units do not count. The choice must be made at the beginning of the first semester, 

so that the students can be registered with the respective department’s labs (mailto: 

andreas.merz@kit.edu). Upon completion of the whole course, the O&P lab will 

award 10 credit points (5 per semester). 

Topics and course objectives: 

1. Optical Tweezers (Department of Physics) (2 lab units) 

The principle of optical tweezers is demonstrated, and the maximum trapping 

force realized by the focused laser is evaluated. To this end, the possible 

transport speed of small polystyrene beads and their Brownian motion are 

measured. 

2. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (fcs) (Department of Physics) (2 lab 

units) 

In this lab course you learn the basic principles of a modern confocal laser 

scanning microscope with ultra-sensible light detection. Properties of single 

fluorescent nanoparticles and molecules in normal conditions and in aqueous 

solutions are investigated using the method of fluorescence correlation 

spectroscopy. This method allows to determine the concentration and the size of 

particles in the nanometer range with a very high precision. 

3. Quantum Eraser (Department of Physics) (2 lab units) 

A classically explicable analogue to the quantum eraser is demonstrated using a 

Mach-Zehnder interferometer. Students will learn to set up the interferometer and 

25

observe the dis- and reappearance of (quantum) interferences for certain 

combinations of light polarization. 

4. Semiconductor spectroscopy (Department of Physics) (2 lab units) 

By polarization-dependent measurements of absorption and transmission spectra 

of several two- and three-dimensional semiconductor structures it is possible to 

extract information of the nature of semiconductors, e.g. excitons, energy gap, 

dimensions, refractive index. 

5. Solar Cells (Department of Physics) (2 lab units) 

Silicon solar cells are analyzed by measuring characteristic curves and efficiency 

factors. The students will get an insight into pn-junctions, semiconductor optics 

and global energy problems. 

6. Laser resonator (Department of Physics) (2 lab units) 

This lab provides an introduction into optical lab work, the use of optical 

components is introduced. In particular, a Titan:Sapphire laser is adjusted to 

make it lase. Different spectra are taken and its use and application are worked 

out. 

7. Magneto-optical Kerr effect – MOKE (Department of Physics) (2 lab units) 

Measurement of the magnetization of thin films and heterostructures by the 

MOKE is from great importance for magneto-optical data storage. Polarization 

and refraction of light, the Kerr-effect and magnetism are the key terms of this 

course. 

8. Zeeman effect (Department of Physics) (2 lab units) 

The Zeeman effect of Helium atoms is measured with a grating spectrograph. 

Fundamental aspects of atomic physics are examined in this course, e.g., 

selection rules, g-factor, atom-light-interaction, magnetic quantum number. 

9. Fabry-Perot interferometer (Department of Physics) (2 lab units) 

A Fabry-Perot interferometer allows the determination of optical spectra with very 

high resolution. The hyperfinestructure spectrum of Tl 205 is measured with high 

accuracy considering the dispersion of the spectrometer. 

10. Optoelectronics laboratory (Department of Electrical Engineering and 

Information Technology) (8 lab units) 

This is a series of four labs: 

a. Light Measurement: The light measurement laboratory will deal with the 

measurement of light intensity distribution, luminous flux and different 

reflector types. These measurements are typically used to evaluate the 

performance of luminaries. 

b. Optics on the Nanoscale: The laboratory is concerning with the 

theoretical basics and experimental techniques of nanoscale optics like 

optical antennae. A laser safety instruction is required. 

c. Compact fluorescent lamps: Compact fluorescent lamps are operated 

on an electronic gear (ballast). Properties of the lamp as well as those 

of the ECG are measured, i.e. real and reactive power as functions of 

26

the line voltage, luminous flux, dependent on system power, rms, lamp 

current and line voltage etc. 

d. Spectroscopy and optical sensor technologies: The monochromator is 

the basic tool for optical metrology. With a practical experiment the lab 

should give an overview of the physical principles and main properties 

of this instrument. The topics higher orders, optical limitation, 

diffraction, etc. will be discussed and shown with a simple and open 

monochromator and Xe-arc lamp. The experiment show also the efforts 

and drawbacks of the most used optical sensors, the Si-diode and 

mulitalkali photomultiplier. 

11. Nanotechnology laboratory (Department of Electrical Engineering and 


This lab is limited to a total of 10 participants! 

This is a series of four labs. Since most labs will take place in the clean room 

facilities, a proper clean room introduction is a mandatory part of this course: 

a. E-beam: Electron Beam Microscopy and Electron Beam Lithography 

(EBL) are standard methods for analyse and fabrication in micro and 

nanotechnology. The laboratory gives a practical introduction how 

Electron Beam Microscopy works, where the benefits and limitations 

are. Also experience of building own nanostructures by electron beam 

lithography are given. 

b. OLED fabrication: The market of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) 

has attracted a lot of attention over the last couple of years, due to the 

potential for low cost, light weight and flexible devices. In this practical 

course we examine the properties of polymer OLEDs, that are to be 

prepared in a cleanroom environment beforehand. The trainees 

become familiar with all fabrication steps of solution processed OLEDs 

and a typical characterization of organic devices. 

c. Interference lithography: Interference lithography is a production 

method for periodic nanostructures. It is possible to structure large 

areas with one- or two-dimensional gratings. In this experiment the 

students create a one-dimensional grating with a lattice constant of 400 

nm. Afterwards they transfer this grating into a silicon substrate using 

RIE (reactive ion etching). The aim of this experiment is an advanced 

comprehension of the potentials and problems of nanostructuring. A 

laser safety instruction is required. 

d. Photolithography: This experiment introduces students to the methods 

that are used for the fabrication of microstructures. Each student 

fabricates his/her own structure using standard photolithography and 

another one using a lift-off process. During the experiment, students get 

to known basic clean room techniques as spin coating, exposure and 

development of photoresist layers, evaporation of metal in a vacuum 

chamber and etching through a photoresist mask. 

12. Lighting Technology lab (Department of Electrical Engineering and 


27

This lab is limited to a total of 10 participants. 

This is a series of four labs: 

a. Farfield goniometer lab (Eulumdat) 

b. Nearfield goniometer lab (Ray files) 

c. Thermal influence on the spectrum of an LED 

d. Simulation of optical systems 

13. Backscattering in optical fibers (Department of Electrical Engineering and 


This module gives an introduction to optical time domain reflectometry. This 

scheme monitors fiber optical links for changes in transmission quality or 

locations of damages to the fiber by evaluating backscattered signals. It is an 

important routine employed by all major telecommunication companies to check 

the integrity of optical links. 

14. Integrated Optics (Department of Electrical Engineering and Information 

Technology) (2 lab units) 

BPM-simulations of integrated waveguides: High refractive index contrast 

waveguides are used in integrated optical devices. Typical single mode planar 

and stripe waveguides are designed and characterized by beam propagation 

simulations with an industrial-standard high-frequency design-suite. This gives a 

graphic understanding of the actual transmission of light as an electromagnetic 

wave, extension of optical fields and of what is meant by “optical mode”. 

15. Simulation of optical transmitters (Department of Electrical Engineering 

and Information Technology) (2 lab units) 

In this module intensity- and phase-modulated 40 Gbit/s optical signals are 

generated, transmitted and received in a simulated environment (Rsoft OPTSIM). 

Virtually all electrical and optical phenomena in communication networks can be 

simulated with this software. It is a valuable tool for cost-efficiently designing and 

testing new network components before actually employing them in real networks. 

16. Generation, transmission and reception of digitally modulated signals 

Digital (Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, 3 

lab units) 

Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK), Quadrature Amplitude Modulation 

(QAM), or Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) are important 

modulation formats used in radiofrequency (RF) applications, Radio over Fiber 

(RoF) systems, as well as in optical communications systems. In this module, 

digitally modulated signals are first programmed in software, then physically 

generated with an Arbitrary Waveform Generator (a fast digital to analog 

converter, DAC), modulated onto an optical carrier, transmitted over fiber, 

recorded by a Digital Phosphor Oscilloscope (a fast analog to digital converter, 

ADC) and finally demodulated and evaluated in software again. 

17. Optics Design Lab (Department of Electrical Engineering and Information 

Technology) (5 lab units): 

28

This lab is done at five consecutive afternoons. During this course the students 

will learn the use of the optic design tool OSLO. It is strongly recommended to 

attend the lecture “Optical Engineering” before or during this lab course. The 

course comprises the following exercises: 

Simulation of simple optical systems (glasses, magnifying-glass, microscope, 

binoculars, telescope) 

Aberrations (spherical, chromatic, astigmatism) 

Evaluation of picture quality of optical systems (aberrations, PSF, MTF) 

Computer aided optimization of complex optical systems (system optimization, 

tolerancing) 

18. Optical Waveguides (Department of Mechanical Engineering, 

Institute of Microstructure Technology, Campus North) (2 lab units) 

The following two labs of the Photonic Systems group are offered by the Institute 

of Microstructure Technology (IMT) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). 

In addition to the very interesting labs itself, the student will have the opportunity 

to gain some insight into this large facility. Transport is possible via the KIT shuttle 

bus, but must be organized by the students themselves (2 lab units). 

a. Integrated optical circuits (IOC): In the lab course the students will be 

trained in the characterization of planar structured optical waveguides 

and circuits manufactured in polymers at IMT by photolithographic 

processing. After a short oral introduction the students will be trained in 

different measurements techniques: 

- optical fiber preparation and splice technique (used for fiber butt 

coupling to planar stripe waveguides and to build small fiber networks 

in the measurement set ups) 

- m-line spectroscopy (measurement of the effective mode indices for 

different wavelengths, demonstration of IWKB calculation method, 

defining the refractive index profile, the maximum index contrast and 

the decay constant depending on UV exposure) 

- near field intensity distribution (NFP) measurement (discussion of the 

mode order and mode field diameter of single mode waveguide 

structures) 

- far field intensity distribution (FFP) measurement (discussion of the far 

field symmetry, the divergence angle and the calculation of numerical 

aperture (NA)) 

- waveguide insertion loss (discussion of the different loss parts: 

coupling loss, mode field mismatch, mismatch of NA, structure loss, 

material loss) 

- polarization analysis (measurement of the polarization ellipse 

parameter and demonstration of the polarization dependent loss 

calculation) 

19. Optofluidic dye laser in a foil (Department of Mechanical Engineering, 

Institute of Microstructure Technology, Campus North, 3 lab units) 

The objective of this lab course is to understand the basic principles of opt fluidic 

distributed feedback dye lasers. The students will learn how to characterize 

optofluidic dye lasers by using a state of the art optical setup. During the lab 

29

course these lasers will be analyzed regarding their emission spectra and laser 

thresholds. 

20. Mobile robot platform/ Machine Vision (offered only in the summer term) 

(Department of Mechanical Engineering, MRT) (2 lab units) 

To perform a specified task autonomously is a crucial part in many robotics 

applications and requires the interaction between different algorithms. Especially 

in dynamic environments, the perception of the vicinity of the robot is important to 

handle unforeseen situations. In recent years, the perception part is usually done 

using cameras which offer rich information about the environment. The course 

offers the opportunity to apply computer vision and control algorithms using an 

autonomous vehicle. It specifically addresses object recognition, collision 

avoidance and vehicle control. 

21. Femtosecond Spectroscopy in solution (Dep. of Chemistry) (2 lab units) 

The aim of this lab course is to provide the necessary basics to perform ultrafast 

spectroscopy experiments in the visible and near-infrared region with laser pulses 

of about 20 femtosecond duration. A home-built Ti:sapphire femtosecond 

oscillator will be set up and used. Laser pulses will be characterized by 

determining the time-bandwidth product and/ or recording the impulsive rise in the 

transient response of a dye molecule after absorption and photoexcitation to its 

electronically excited state. Femtosecond laser pulses will then be used to 

investigate the photodynamics of the dye molecule DTTCI in a polar solvent by 

recording its time-resolved response after photoabsorption. 

22. Infrared Multipass Cell (Department of Chemistry, 3 lab units) 

The students will be setting up a multipass cell (based on the principle of a Herriot 

cavity) from scratch in a table-top experiment with the particular aim of using it in 

the mid-infrared spectral region (with wavelengths of 4.5-12µm). The goal is to get 

the students acquainted with the concept of cavity and the geometrical optics of a 

resonator ("stability conditions") which will also be deepened by a few exercises 

and calculations. In the course of characterizing the cell the students are working 

with different types of detectors (photodiodes and pyroelectric probe heads) and 

beam profilers as well as with a pulsed infrared laser light source. Spectral 

characterization includes the usage of a Fizeau type interferometer. 

As a first application the students will take an infrared absorption spectrum of a 

diluted gas. 

23. Vibrational Raman Spectroscopy (Department of Chemistry, 2 lab units) 

In this lab course the students will take vibrational Raman spectra of several 

condensed phase samples using a commercial fiber-coupled Raman 

spectrometer. Learning the basics of resonant and non-resonant Raman 

scattering (e.g. selection rules, Raman vs. IR active modes) in molecular 

spectroscopy is one of the major goals as well as important applications like 

efficient Rayleigh line filtering, data evaluation (Stokes and anti-Stokes shift, 

evaluation of force constants), vibrational isotope effects (e.g. in C6H6 vs C6D6). 

Another focus is on the interpretation of vibrational Raman spectra. 

30

24. Biological fluorescence microscopy (Institute of Zoology, Department of 

Cell- and Neurobiology) (3 lab units) 

The lab includes a first introduction to the application of fluorescence microscopy 

in the biosciences. Pre-processed specimens from our current research projects 

will be provided and imaged using cutting-edge research microscopes by the 

participants. Acquired images will be processes and interpreted. 

Learning targets/skills: 

In this course the students will get a first hands-on experience in basic optics and 

measurement techniques. Students will be expected to have a basic understanding 

of the underlying theories, good skills in building up and dealing with optical systems, 

and the ability to summary their measurements and results in a clear and concise 

report. 

Pre-requisites: 

Prerequisites vary from experiment to experiment. Indispensable is a basic 

knowledge of optics, some experience in semiconductors is favourable for some of 

the experiments. Students have to prepare for each experiment by impropriating the 

required knowledge afore by means of preparation material. 

Teaching Method: 

The main focus of this course lays on laboratory work. Before starting the 

experiments the students are checked about the underlying theories in a short 

interview. Students have to generate an experiment report/data interpretation of their 

measurements. 

Course structure 

Lectures 0 SWS 

Exercises 0 SWS 

31 

Lab courses 4 SWS 

Project work 0 SWS

Performance Appraisal: 

Dep. of Physics 

Dep. of Elec. Eng. 

Dep. of Mech. Eng. 

Dep. of 

Chemistry/Biology 

interview 33 % 

lab work 33 % 

experiment report/data interpretation 33 % 

interview/lab work 50 % 

experiment report /closing meeting 50 % 

lab work 70 % 

experiment report/data interpretation 30 % 

interview/lab work 

experiment report / data interpretation 

32 

50% 

50% 

Course material: 

For each experiment there exists a short description of the experiment, the exercises 

that have to be handled and a detailed description of the underlying theories. This 

material will be handed out about one week prior to the lab by the respective lab 

supervisor. 

Literature: 

To supplement the preparation material, students are expected to access the library. 

Contact: 

Department of Physics 

Name: Pauline Maffre (LAB 1+2) 

E-Mail: pauline.maffre@kit.edu 

Name: Chao Gao (LAB 3+4) 

E-mail: chao.gao@kit.edu 

Name: Muamer Kadic (LAB 5+6) 

E-Mail: muamer.kadic@kit.edu 

Name: Christoph Sürgers (LAB 7+8+9) 

E-Mail: christoph.suergers@kit.edu 

Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology 

Name: Dr.-Ing. Klaus Trampert (LAB 10+11+12) 

Tel.: 0721 / 608-47065 

E-mail: klaus.trampert@kit.edu 

Name: Simon Schneider (LAB 13+14) 

Tel.: 0721 / 608- 41935 

E-mail: somin.schneider@kit.edu

Name: Djorn Karnick (LAB 15+16) 

Tel.: 0721 / 608- 47170 

E-mail: djorn.karnick@kit.edu 

Name: Siegwart Bogatscher (LAB 17) 

Tel.: 0721 / 608-45285 

E-mail: siegwart.bogatscher@kit.edu 

Department of Mechanical Engineering: 

Name: Uwe Hollenbach (LAB 18) 

Tel.: 0721 608-23856 

E-mail: uwe.hollenbach@kit.edu 

Name: Tobias Wienhold (LAB 19) 

Tel.: 0721 608- 25856 

E-mail: tobias.wienhold@kit.edu 

Name: Dipl.-Ing. Bernd Kitt (LAB 20) 

Tel.: 0721 / 608-42744 

E-Mail: bernd.kitt@kit.edu 

Department of Chemistry and Biosciences 

Name: Dr. habil. Andreas Unterreiner (LAB 21) 

Tel.: +49 721 608 – 47807 

E-Mail: andreas.unterreiner@kit.edu 

Name: Dr. Oliver Hampe (LAB 22+23) 

E-Mail: oliver.hampe@kit.edu 

Name: Dr. Franco Weth (LAB 24) 

Tel.: 0721 – 608 44849 

E-mail: franco.weth@kit.edu 

33

5.3 Additive key competencies 

As additive key competencies you can also take part in language courses of KSOP 

or at the KIT Language Center and courses of the House of Competence 

(www.hoc.kit.edu). 

5.3.1 European Integration and Institutional Studies 

(Jean Monat Circle Seminar) 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

1. or 3. AKC-JMCS 

Module 

Type 

elective 

module in 

AKC 

Module Name 

European Integration and Institutional Studies 

(Jean Monnet Circle Seminar) 

34 


for Module 

Prof. Dr. Caroline Y. 

Robertson-von Trotha 

(ZAK) 


each WS 


lectures, discussions, 

exercises 


contact hours and 62 h 

preparation, homework 

and self-studies 

Paper -- 

3 

Credit 

Points 


Examination 

The Jean Monnet Circle Seminar “European Integration and Identity Studies” aims to give a basic introduction to its 

participants into the major social, political, cultural and economic developments in Europe and its interrelation with the process 

of globalisation and European Integration. 

All topics are presented by alternating experts from different universities and institutions. 


Students 

reflect questions on European identity and integration from an interdisciplinary perspective, 

know the main lines of European history, 

hear about the development of the EU, about its judicial system and institutions, 

discuss different positions on basic topics of the process of uniting and enlarging Europe, 

understand processes of migration and integration, 

become familiar with an interdisciplinary approach regarding one theme, 

achieve sensibility for communication in an intercultural and interdisciplinary group, 

learn to see their specialised disciplinary knowledge in a wider context. 


An interdisciplinary circle of lecturers will address the following topics: 

The cultural foundation of Europe: socio-historical backgrounds of Europe 

Judicial aspects of European integration 

The European Union: institutional design, democratic deficit and options of reform 

Areas of European integration with regard to the development of a European Knowledge Society 

Europe seen from the outside: Europe and its role in the world 

Economic aspects of European integration 

Identity and Diversity: Unity in Diversity as a European Vision. 

Literature 

Basic literature: The Jean Monnet Circle Seminar – Guidebook will be provided by ZAK before the term starts. 

Further literature: Relevant literature will be referred to through the respective lecturer. 

Prerequisites 

Fluency in English 


The three ECTS credits can be received through a paper (of 4 to 5 pages) elaborating the topic of one lecture. 


Active participation in all lectures of Circle Seminar; participation in the Jean Monnet Keynote Lecture is recommended.

5.3.2 Visual Communication and Culture 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 

1. or 3. AKC-VCC Visual Communication and Culture 

Module 

Type 

elective 

module in 

AKC 

35 


for Module 

Prof. Dr. Thomas 

Wägenbaur, ZAK 


each WS 



presentations 




Paper -- 

3 

Credit 

Points 


Examination 

This course will cover an introduction to both, visual communication and visual culture. Students discuss the perception and 

production of visual messages as well as the social and cultural determination of visual communication. 


Students 

acquire basic knowledge about the nature of human vision vs. computer vision, 

understand the basic functions of visuals in mass communication, 

become aware of visualization skills, their purpose and effect, 

develop an informed sensitivity towards the general impact of visuals on the individual and society, 

understand the intuitive processes of becoming visually literate, 

learn how to relate concepts in the psychology of perception, cognition and aesthetics to practical photocomposition, 

layout and design, 

achieve a critical awareness about cross-cultural and cross-gender dimensions of visual stereotypes, 

acquire a semiotic sensitivity for visual codes and aesthetics, critically and creatively applied. 


Visual communication on the one hand involves the understanding of the perception of visual messages as well as their 

production. We will go into the evolution and neurology of the human perceptual apparatus, examine what the cognitive 

sciences can tell us about vision that we cannot know from common sense. Topics for further analysis will range from 

advertising to art, covering potentially all visual media from graffiti to photography, from film to pixel design. 

Visual culture on the other hand discusses socially and culturally determined ways in which we view and accordingly 

reproduce visual communication. We will explore visual identity formation – call it image management or body-building and 

plastic surgery - ethnic and gender biases, virtuality, and the global visual culture in the making. 

Literature 

Will be specified by the lecturer before or during the term. 

Prerequisites 

Fluency in English. 


The three ECTS credits can be received through a paper or a seminar presentation. 


Active participation

5.3.3 German Language Courses 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 

36 


for Module 

1. or 3. AKC-GLC German Language Course A1.1 Carmen Reck, M.A. 2 

Module 

Type 

elective 

module in 

AKC 



each WS Language course 

total 60h, hereof 45h 

contact hours, 15h 

homework and self-study 

Credit 

Points 


Examination 


This course is designed to assist students in developing basic Geman language skills in speaking, writing, listening and 

reading. The specific learning targets listed below are set up in accordance with the Common European Framework of 

Reference for Languages (CEFR) of the European Council: A1 (Breakthrough or beginner), A2 (Waystage or elementary), B1 

(Threshold or intermediate), B2 (Vantage or upper intermediate), C1 (Effective Operational Proficiency or advanced), C2 

(Mastery or proficiency) 


By the end of this course, students will be able to 

understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a 

concrete type, 

introduce themselves and others, ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people they 

know and things they have, 

interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. 


Topics and Lexis: 

1. In the Coffer Bar: drinks, numbers and prices, personal information 

2. In Language Class: words and phrases for classroom communication, 

3. Cities – Countries – Languages: nationalities and countries, geographic directions, languages, 

4. People and Houses: rooms and furniture, dwelling forms 

5. Appointments: time, days of the week, times of the day 

6. Getting oriented: town, means of transport, workplace, office and computer. 

Spoken and written interaction: 

greeting someone, initiating a conversation, introducing oneself and others, asking for somebody’s name and where s/he is 

from, spelling, ordering and paying drinks, understanding and giving phone numbers, naming and asking for things in the 

classroom, talking about countries and cities, their geographical locations and sights, the languages spoken there, describing 

a diagram, writing little texts about oneself, describing a flat, understanding and telling time, describing one’s daily routine, 

making appointments and dates, apologizing for being late, telling where people work and live, telling how people get to work, 

in a big building: asking for people and directions, setting up appointments on the phone 

Grammar: 

statements, questions with wie, woher, wo, was, verbs in the Simple Present, the verb to be, personal pronouns, nouns: 

singular and plural, definite articles: der, die, das, indefinite articles: ein, eine, negation: keine, keine, compound nouns: das 

Kursbuch, Simple Past of the verb to be, w-questions, yes/no-questions, possessive pronouns in the Nominativ, definite 

articles in the Akkusativ, adjectives in the sentence, graduation with zu, questions with wann, von wann bis wann, 

prepositions and time: am, um von...bis, seperable verbs, negation with nicht, Simple Past of the verb to have, prepositions: in, 

neben, unter, auf, vor, hinter, an, zwischen, bei, mit + Dativ, Cardianal Numbers 

Learning techniques: 

identify international words, classify words, use flashcards and “phrase boxes”, use dictionaries, complete or formulate own 

grammar rules, develope grammar tables, note taking strategies, use wordnets 

Literature 

Coursebook: 

O. Bayerlein, S. Demme, H. Funk, Ch. Kuhn (2005): studio d - Deutsch als Fremdsprache, A1: Gesamtband, Kurs- und 

Übungsbuch mit Lerner-CD, Berlin: Cornelsen Verlag, ISBN 978-3-464-20707-9 

Workbook: 

R.M. Niemann (2006): studio d- Deutsch als Fremdsprache, A1: Gesamtband, Sprachtraining, Berlin: Cornelsen Verlag, 

ISBN-10: 3464207080 

Vocabulary booklet – German /English: 

H. Funk (Hg.) (2005): studio d- Deutsch als Fremdsprache, A1: Gesamtband, Vokabeltaschenbuch: Deutsch/Englisch, 

Berlin: Cornelsen Verlag, ISBN-10: 3464207587 

Prerequisites 

no previous knowledge of the German language required, but strong motivation and readiness for autonomous language 

learning, as a language portfolio has to be kept 


The written exam is scheduled for the end of each lecture period. 

Prerequisites for participation at exam and for acquisition of credit points 

Regular attendance ( ≥ 80%), active participation in class, keeping a language learning portfolio which has to be submitted a 

week before the exam

5.3.4 Foreign Language Class 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

1.or 3. AKC-FLC 

Module 

Type 

elective 

module in 

AKC 

Foreign Language Class 

here example: Spanish 1 

Module Name 

37 


for Module 

Frank Forstmeyer 2 


each 

semester 


lecture and individual 

training 



individual training 

Credit 

Points 


Examination 

written exam 90 min 

This course provides basic knowledge regarding grammar and vocabulary to conduct and understand the simple everyday 

conversations in Spanish. Courses are also provided in many other languages (see www.spz.kit.edu). 


The students 

can read and understand simple texts in Spanish 

are familiar with the basic rules of Spanish grammar 

understand recorded Dialogues (CD) 

know how to pronounce the Spanish alphabet 

are able to express basic needs/desires 


1. Grammar: articles and pronouns (personal, direct, indirect, reflexive, object with preposition), hay/ser/estar, indicative 

(present, perfect and future), gerund, time, comparative. 

2. Communication: introduction, description of people and places, giving directions, food, shopping, daily timetables. 

Literature 

Caminos 1 Plus (Klett) Units 1-9 in Winter, 1-7 in Summer + Copies 

Prerequisites 

none 


Written exam: a maximum of 100 points can be achieved (grammar: 65 points, vocabulary and dialogues: 35 points). For 

passing the exam 50 points have to be collected. 


Students must attend at least 80 % of scheduled classes and achieve a passing grade of 4,0 on the final exam to earn the 

CPs.

5.3.5 General Studies in English 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 

1. or 3. AKC-GSE General Studies in English 

Module 

Type 

elective 

module in 

AKC 

38 


for Module 

Prof. Dr. Caroline Y. 

Robertson-von Trotha 

(ZAK) 


each WS 



interactive exercises, 

presentations 




Credit 

Points 

1-3 


Examination 

Paper -- 

Through a changing range of courses taught in English language students acquire complementary orientational knowledge or 

key qualifications for both study and professional life. Discussions in an interdisciplinary atmosphere broaden the participant’s 

horizon. Students use their knowledge in English language in an academic context outside their own discipline. 


Students 

become familiar with an interdisciplinary approach regarding one theme, 

work in interdisciplinary learn groups and contexts, 

achieve a critical awareness about cross-cultural stereotypes, 

see their specialised disciplinary knowledge in a wider social and scientific context, 

engage in new topics outside their main discipline, 

acquire additional key qualifications useful for both study and professional life, 

improve the communicative flexibility using English language, 

become acquainted with new technical vocabulary from other disciplines. 


Students choose a seminar from a changing selection of courses in English. Main topics are key qualifications for both study 

and professional life and orientational knowledge, e.g. management, leadership, intercultural competencies. 

Available courses are: 

Banda, Thoko M., Enhancing Management Competencies 

Banda, Thoko M., Leadership 

Robertson-von Trotha, Caroline, Cultural Heritage and Pluralism 

Schmidt, Patrick, Intercultural Communication USA 

Sieber, Michael, Cross-Cultural Dialogue 

Tamm, Kaidi, Beyond Words: Practical sustainability 

More courses - also in German - are available from ZAK. See http://www.zak.kit.edu/sq 

Literature 

Will be specified by the lecturers before or during the term 

Prerequisites 

Fluency in English 


One ECTS credit can be received by active participation, two credit points by a short presentation. The three ECTS credits can 

be received through a paper (of 4 to 5 pages). 


Active participation in all seminars

6. 2. Semester: Core Subjects 29 CP 

6.1 Compulsory Courses 

6.1.1 Spectroscopic Methods 

Semester 

2. 

Module 

Type 

Module 

Code 

AO&P-MC- 

SM 

Module Name 

Spectroscopic Methods 

39 


for Module 

Prof. Dr. M. Kappes 

PD Dr. O. Hampe 

PD Dr. A.-N. Unterreiner 


compulsory each SS Lecture 


total 90 h, hereof 42 h contact 

hours (28 h lecture, 14 h 

problem class), and 48 h 


Credit Points 

3 


Examination 


The students get introduced into various methodologies of molecular spectroscopy in frequency and time domain. Due to 

different basic knowledge they first get acquainted with the microscopic physical background, but later on with the 

interpretation of the respective optical spectra and application in various fields. The students enhance their knowledge on 

spectroscopic equipment and optical components for the respective spectroscopic and/or microscopic technique. 


The students 

know the quantum mechanical basis of molecular rotational, vibrational and electronic spectroscopy 

conceive a microscopic understanding of optical excitation/deexcitation processes in molecules, i.e. light-matter 

interaction 

understand the interplay between spectroscopic method, experimental design and required optical components 

are familiar with sample preparation techniques in molecular spectroscopy (supersonic expansion, ion traps, softlanding 

on surfaces, matrix-isolation) 

learn time scales of various molecular motions (especially rotation and vibration) before and during 

chemical/biochemical reactions 

will get in touch with timescales and frequencies of molecular properties and experience their interconnection 

are introduced into linear and nonlinear molecular spectroscopy including two-dimensional techniques such as twodimensional 

vibrational spectroscopy) 


I. Introduction to electronic spectroscopy (Born Oppenheimer approximation, Franck-Condon factor, relaxation processes) 

II. Fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy (Jablonski diagram, Kasha’s rule, Vavilov’s rule, kinetic and lifetime 

considerations, Stokes shift, Lippert equation, fluorescence anisotropy; confocal fluorescence microscopy, advanced 

microscopic methods, e.g. STED) 

III. Well-defined sample techniques: spectroscopy in molecular beams, in ion traps and on surfaces (laser-induced 

fluorescence, cavity ringdown spectroscopy, matrix-isolation spectroscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy) 

IV. Introduction to time-dependent phenomenon including time-dependent perturbation theory for selection rules, spectral line 

shape 

V. Generation and characterization of tunable laser pulses with pulse durations well below 1 picosecond 

VI. Various methods of pump-probe spectroscopy covering the spectral range from the microwave to the X-ray regime 

Literature 

Demtröder: Laser Spectroscopy, Rullière: Femtosecond Laser Pulses, Atkins: Molecular Quantum Mechanics, 

various review articles 

Prerequisites 

basic knowledge in physics (e.g. atomic/molecular quantum mechanics), light-matter interaction 


The written exam is scheduled for the beginning of the break after the SS. A resit exam is offered at the end of the break. 

The exam consists of a set of problems that the students solve with the aid of certain allowed resources. 


One page of exercises is handed out to the students as homework each week. Solutions to these exercises can be presented 

by the students during exercises/tutorials on the blackboard on a voluntary basis. Participation in questions and answers 

during the lecture and tutorials is strongly supported and encouraged (though not a formal requirement).

6.1.2 Theoretical Optics 

Semester 

2. 

Module 

Type 

Module 

Code 

AO&P-TM- 

TO 

compulsory each SS 


Module Name 

40 


for Module 

Credit 

Points 

Theoretical Optics NN 4 



class 







Examination 


The students deepen their knowledge about the theoretical foundation and the mathematical tools in optics and photonics. 

They learn how to apply these tools to the description of fundamental phenomena and how to extract the physical content of a 

theory from its basic equations of motion by way of corresponding purposeful mathematical analyses. They learn how to solve 

problems of both, interpretative and predictive nature with regards to model system and real life situations. 


The students 

understand the theoretical basis and physical content of the classical Maxwell equations and the quantum 

description of light 

know how to formulate and discuss optical properties in mathematical form 

are able to utilize advanced mathematical tools for the quantitative description of wave propagation in various 

settings such as anisotropic materials and diffractive systems 

are able to quantify and utilize basic phenomena of coherence 

are familiar with the quantitative analysis of classical wave propagation in basic devices and systems 

appreciate the limitations of the classical description of light and the novel phenomena associated with systems for 

which a quantum description is required 

are able to quantitatively analyse simple quantum optical devices 


1. Review of Electromagnetism (Maxwell’s Equations, Kramers-Kronig Relation, Wave Propagation) 

2. Crystal Optics (Polarization, Anisotropic Media, Fresnel Equation, Applications) 

3. Diffraction Theory (The Principles of Huygens and Fresnel, Scalar Diffraction Theory: Green’s Function, Helmholtz-Kirchhoff 

Theorem, Kirchhoff Formulation of Diffraction, Fresnel-Kirchhoff Diffraction Formula, Rayleigh-Sommerfeld Formulation of 

Diffraction, Angular Spectrum Method, Fresnel and Fraunhofer Diffraction, Holography) 

4. Classical Coherence Theory (Elementary Coherence Phenomena, Theory of Stochastic Processes, Correlation Functions) 

5. Quantum Optics and Quantum Optical Coherence Theory (Review of Quantum Mechanics, Quantization of the EM Field, 

Quantum Coherence Functions, HBT-Experiment) 

Literature 

"Classical Electrodynamics" John David Jackson 

"Theoretical Optics: An Introduction" Hartmann Römer 

"Introduction to Fourier Optics" Joseph W. Goodman 

"Introduction to the Theory of Coherence and Polarization of Light" Emil Wolf 

"Quantum Theory of Optical Coherence: Selected Papers & Lectures" R.J.Glauber 

Prerequisites 

Solid mathematical background, good knowledge of classical electromagnetism and basic knowledge of quantum mechanics 


The written exam is scheduled for the beginning of the break after the SS. A resit exam is offered at the end of the break. A 

test exam is given in mid June. 


One problems sheet is handed out to the students as homework each week. Solutions of the problems have to be submitted at 

the beginning of the subsequent tutorial. An overall amount of 50% of the problems given in the exercises and the test exam 

(the test exam is counted equivalent to three problems sheets) have to be solved correctly.

6.1.3 Optoelectronic Components 

Semester 

2. 

Module 

Type 

Module 

Code 

AO&P-MC- 

OC 

compulsory each SS 


Module Name 

Optoelectronic Components 

41 


for Module 

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dr. h.c. 

Wolfgang Freude 



demonstrations) and 

problem class 






Credit 

Points 

4 


Examination 

oral exam 30 Minutes 

Comprehending the physical layer of optical communication systems. Developing a basic understanding which enables a 

designer to read a device’s data sheet, to make most of its properties, and to avoid hitting its limitations. 


The students 

understand the components of the physical layer of optical communication systems 

acquire the knowledge of operation principles and impairments of optical waveguides 

know the basics of laser diodes, luminescence diodes and semiconductor optical amplifiers 

understand pin-photodiodes 

know the systems’ sensitivity limits, which are caused by optical and electrical noise 

Couse Content 

The course concentrates on the most basic optical communication components. Emphasis is on physical understanding, 

exploiting results from electromagnetic field theory, (light waveguides), solid-state physics (laser diodes, LED, and 

photodiodes), and communication theory (receivers, noise). The following components are discussed: 

Light waveguides: Wave propagation, slab waveguides, strip wave-guides, integrated optical waveguides, fibre 

waveguides 

Light sources and amplifiers: Luminescence and laser radiation, luminescent diodes, laser diodes, stationary and dynamic 

behavior, semiconductor optical amplifiers 

Receivers: pin photodiodes, electronic amplifiers, noise 

Literature 

Detailed textbook-style lecture notes as well as the presentation slides can be downloaded from the IPQ lecture pages. 

Agrawal, G. P.: Lightwave technology. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons 2004 

Iizuka, K.: Elements of photonics. Vol. I, especially Vol. II. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons 2002 

Further textbooks in German (also in electronic form) can be named on request. 

Prerequisites 

Minimal background required: Calculus, differential equations, Fourier transforms and p-n junction physics. 


Oral examination, usually one examination day per month during the Summer and Winter terms. An extra questions-andanswers 

session will be held if students wish so. 


There are no prerequisites, but solution of the problems on the exercise sheet, which can be downloaded as homework each 

week, is highly recommended. Also, active participation in the problem classes and studying in learning groups are strongly 

advised.

6.1.4 Nonlinear Optics 

See KSOP website: M.Sc. Curriculum 

6.1.5 Microoptics and Lithography 

Semester 

2. 

Module 

Type 

Module 

Code 

AO&P-MC- 

MOL 

Module Name 

Microoptics and Lithography 

42 


for Module 

PD Dr.-Ing. Timo 

Mappes 


compulsory each SS Lecture 




lecture), and 60h 


Credit 

Points 

3 


Examination 


The students build knowledge on process technology for the fabrication of micro- and nano-devices with lithographical 

methods. They learn to compare the advantages and disadvantages of different technological approaches. They understand 

the function and application of microoptical components and systems and get familiar with optical and photonic effects used in 

microoptics. They acquire the competence to compare and select lithographical patterning processes for the technical device 

to be created. 


The students 

know the different types of resist and their chemical working principle 

are familiar with the working principle of an e-beam system, including electron sources and machine types. They 

understand secondary effects and can develop solutions how to avoid those. 

understand the physical effects in optical lithography, including shadow-printing processes and projection 

lithography for arbitrary patterning or interference lithography for grating structures 

are familiar with the needs requiring immersion lithography and multiple-photon-lithography 

know how to evaluate a new lithographical method and may elaborate on its probability to be introduced in mass 

fabrication. 

have a good understanding of the challenges in microfabrication by understanding the process steps in X-ray 

lithography. 

comprehend the boundary conditions for the design of microoptical devices 

are able to compare and select lithographical patterning processes and related fabrication technologies to create 

microoptical devices 


I. Introduction (concepts of micro and nanofabrication, application in optics and photonics) 

II. Resist (resist types, application, exposure, development, and characterization of resists) 

III. Electron Beam Lithography (working principle of an e-beam, machine types and electron sources, secondary effects, 

writing strategies) 

IV. Optical Lithography (mask types, shadow printing and mask-steppers, immersion lithography, multiple-photon-lithography) 

V. Next Generation Lithography (extreme UV, beam shaping, mask layout) 

VI. X-ray lithography and LIGA (ultra high aspect ratio structures, mask design and fabrication, secondary effects, structure 

collapse, replication strategies) 

VII. Interference Lithography (working principle, grating structures) 

VIII. Selected Examples of Microoptical Systems and Devices (micro optical sensors, layout and fabrication of micro optical 

benches, concepts and examples of optical lab-on-a-chip with integrated lasers) 

Literature 

W. Menz, J. Mohr, O. Paul: Microsystem Technology. Wiley-VCH, Weinheim 

S. Sinzinger, J. Jahns: Microoptics. Wiley-VCH, Weinheim 

M.J. Madou: Fundamentals of Microfabrication. Taylor & Francis Ltd., Boca Raton 

Prerequisites 

Basic knowledge in physics 


The oral exam is by appointment. Several dates are offered at the beginning of the break after the SS. 


none

6.1.6 Basic Molecular Cell Biology 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 

43 


for Module 

2. AdjC-BMCB Basic Molecular Cell Biology Dr. Franco Weth 2 

Module 

Type 


Compulsory Each SS Lecture 


Total 60h, hereof 20h 

contact hours and 40h 


Credit 

Points 


Examination 

Written exam 120 Minutes 

Progress in no other field of science is so intimately linked to the continuing development and welfare of humanity as the 

achievements of the life sciences. Modern biomedical research, however, is inconceivable without cutting-edge Optics & 

Photonics technologies ranging from high-throughput sequencing to super-resolution microscopy. Most students of Optics & 

Photonics are therefore likely to get in contact with life scientists during their careers. In this course, they will prepare 

themselves for fruitful future collaborations, which rely on shared concepts and terminologies. To this end, students will 

familiarize themselves with the basic principles and ideas of Molecular Cell Biology, which is at the heart of modern 

Biosciences. 


The students 

comprehend the fact that all life on earth is based on cells, 

understand the basic build-up of eukaryotic cells, 

know the central concepts of Organic and Physical Chemistry, on which life is based, 

know the structures and major functions of the four classes of biological macromolecules, 

comprehend the idea that a cell is a micro-factory based on nanomachines (proteins) that are instructed by 

informational macromolecules (DNA, RNA), 

conceive the idea that the variation of genomic information underlies evolution, 

know the methods of how cells acquire energy for life processes, 

are familiar with the roles of the cytoskeleton organelles and the cell membrane and 

are familiar with the basics of cellular responsitivity towards external cues, 

get a first glimpse on key technologies, which underlie experimental progress in the field. 

Couse Content 

I. Introduction to the cell 

II. Concepts from Organic Chemistry pertinent to the Life Sciences 

III. Concepts from Physical Chemistry pertinent to the Life Sciences 

IV. Nucleic acids and proteins 

V. Gene expression 

VI. Methods 

VII. Genomic variability and evolution 

VIII. Cell membranes 

IX. Energy metabolism 

X. Cell signalling 

XI. Cell compartments 

XII. Cytoskeleton and cell division 

Literature 

Lecture presentations will be accessible in pdf-format. 

Essential cell biology, Alberts, B., et al., Taylor & Francis, 2009 

Principles of Cell Biology, Plopper, G., Jones & Bartlett Publ., 2011 

Prerequisites 

Basic knowledge in General Chemistry 


The written exam is scheduled for the beginning of the break after the SS. A resit exam is offered at the end of the break. 


Attendance to the lecture

6.1.7 Industry Internship 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 

2.&3. IndInt Industry Internship 

Module 

Type 

44 


for Module 

Prof. Uli Lemmer, 

Prof. Christoph Stiller 


compulsory SS or WS Industry Internship 


total 360 h including 8week 

(320 h) project 

work in industry plus 40 

h of report writing and 

presentation of results 

Assessment of written 

report, presentation 

and discussion of 

results. 

Possible grades are 

“passed” or “fail”. 

Credit 

Points 

12 


Examination 

15-20 

minutes 

The students shall be exposed to Optics and Photonics industry and get involved in the solution of a concise real world 

problem in that domain. They gather insight in industrial procedures and practical work. They acquire hands-on experience in 

a concise practical task in Optics and Photonics. They can participate in and contribute to an interdisciplinary team and are 

able to present their work in discussions with others. They are able to transfer their theoretical knowledge into practical 

solutions to real world problems. 


The students 

understand industrial work procedures and methodology. 

understand industrial requirements. 

understand the interrelation of theoretical findings, simulations, experimental studies and practical solutions in 

Optics and Photonics . 

are able to systematically approach a practical problem. 

gather experience in interdisciplinary team work and are able to express their knowledge in such an environment. 

are able to scientifically report and present their work. 


A typical Internship shall include 

I. Problem formulation 

II: State.of-the-art from literature in the field 

III. Introduction to experimental platform 

IV. Design and experiments 

V. Validatipn and evaluation of experiments 

Literature 

Individual literature will be provided by the internship industrial advisor 

Prerequisites 

Scientific background in Optics and Photonics 


The presentation of reports is scheduled in November. The exact date will be announced. 


Internship confirmation/certificate from industry. Delivery of a written report on methodology and results (ca 10 pages). 

6.2 Lab Courses 

6.2.1 Optics and Photonics Lab II 

See 4.3

7. 3. Semester: Specialisation 30 CP 

7.1 Elective Courses Photonic Materials and 

Devices 

7.1.1 Solid-State Optics 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 

3. Sp-SSO Solid-State Optics 

Module Type 

Elective Course 

in specializa-tion 

SP-PMD, Sp-AS 

and Sp-SE 

Recurren 

ce 


each WS Lecture 

45 


for Module 

Priv.-Doz. Dr. 

Michael Hetterich 

Mode of Teaching Workload Type of Examination 


contact hours (lecture and 

individual tutorials), 

and 100 h recapitulation and 

self-studies 

Credit 

Points 

6 


Examination 

oral exam 45 minutes 

The students intuitively understand and are able to theoretically model both the linear and nonlinear optical properties of 

insulators, semiconductors, and metals. They also learn how to use suitable spectroscopic techniques in order to measure 

these properties experimentally and how to utilize the discussed effects in practical applications. 


The students 

know the basic interaction processes between light and matter and are familiar with the polariton concept 

can explain the optical properties of insulators, semiconductors (including quantum structures), and metals 

comprehend the concept of the dielectric function and can utilize it to calculate relevant optical quantities 

(e.g., reflectance etc.) 

are familiar with the classical Drude–Lorentz model and its implications for the optical properties of insulators and metals 

(e.g., resulting dispersion, longitudinal and transverse eigenfrequencies, Reststrahlen bands, plasma frequency, etc.) 

understand the relation between classical and quantum-mechanical models for the dielectric function (e.g., concerning the 

oscillator strength) as well as the importance of the Kramers–Kronig relations 

can explain near band-edge spectra (absorption, reflection, luminescence) of semiconductors and insulators based on the 

concepts of joint density of states, oscillator strength, as well as excitonic effects 

are familiar with experimental techniques for the measurement of optical functions like grating/prism monochromators, setups 

for absorption, reflectance and luminescence measurements, basics of ellipsometry, Fourier, Raman, and modulation 

spectroscopy 

understand the origin of different optical nonlinearities and high-excitation effects as well as their mathematical description 

know the most important nonlinear optical effects (e.g., second-harmonic generation, parametric amplification, etc.), the 

problems involved (e.g., phase matching, choice of materials) and can apply their knowledge 

comprehend the basics of group theory and can apply it to solid-state optics, e.g., for the derivation of optical selection rules 



II. Maxwell Equations and Light Propagation in Vacuum 

III. Light Propagation in Media (Wave Equation and Dispersion; Optical Functions; Boundary Conditions at Interfaces; 

Anisotropic Media) 

IV. Interaction of Light with Matter – Classical Models (Polariton Concept; Drude–Lorentz Model; Optical Properties of Solids 

in the Lorentz model; Hopfield model; Reststrahlen Bands; Penetration Depth and Optical Properties of Thin Films; Spatial 

Dispersion, Phonon Polaritons; Optical Properties of Metals; Free Electron Gas; Plasmons; Plasma Frequency, Intra- 

Band Pair Excitations; Influence of Inter-Band Transitions on Optical Properties of Metals) 

V. Interaction of Light with Matter – Quantum-Mechanical Treatment of Dielectric Function and Kramers–Kronig Relations 

VI. Band-To-Band Transitions (Perturbative Treatment; Joint Density of States; Near Band-Edge Absorption Spectrum of 

Semiconductors; van Hove Singularities) 

VII. Measurement of Optical Functions: Grating/Prism Monochromators, Absorption, Reflectance, Ellipsometry, Fourier 

Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, Modulation Spectroscopy, …) 

VIII. Excitons (Exciton Wavefunction; Binding Energy and Bohr Radius; Optical Properties; Exciton Polaritons; Influence of 

Dimensionality; Spectroscopy) 

IX. Nonlinear Optics (Nonlinear Processes in Solids; High Excitation Effects in Semiconductors: Burstein–Moss Shift, Band- 

Gap Renormalization, Electron–Hole Plasma, Applications, …) 

X. Group Theory (Mathematical Foundations; Symmetry of Eigenfunctions of the Hamiltonian; Applications: Selection Rules 

for Optical Transitions, Band Structure of Semiconductors, …) 

Literature

C. Klingshirn: Semiconductor Optics 

F. Wooten: Optical Properties of Solids 

P.Y. Yu and M. Cardona: Fundamentals of Semiconductors 

P.K. Basu: Theory of Optical Processes in Semiconductors 

Prerequisites 

Basic knowledge in solid-state physics, optics, electrodynamics, and quantum-mechanics; solid mathematical background. 


Appointments for the oral exam can be made individually with the lecturer. 


none 

7.1.2 Field propagation and coherence 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 

3. Sp-FPC Field propagation and coherence 

Module Type 

elective module 

in specializations 

Sp-PMD 

and Sp-OS 

Recurren 

ce 

each WS 


46 


for Module 

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dr. h.c. 

Wolfgang Freude 



demonstrations) and 

problem class 


contact hours (30 h lecture, 

15 h problem class), and 75 

h homework and selfstudies 

Credit 

Points 

4 


Examination 


Presenting in a unified approach the common background of various problems and questions arising in general optics and 

optical communications 


The students 

know the common properties of counting of modes, density of states and the sampling theorem 

comprehend the relationship between propagation in multimode waveguides, mode coupling, MMI and speckles 

can analyze propagation in homogeneous media with respect to system theory, antennas, and the resolution limit of 

optical instruments 

understand that coherence as a general concept comprises coherence in time, in space and in polarisation 

comprehend the implication of complete spatial incoherence, and what is the radiation efficiency of a source with a 

diameter smaller than a wavelength (the mathematical Hertzian dipole, for instance) 

can assess when can two incandescent bulbs form an interference pattern in time 

know under which conditions a heterodyne radio receiver, which is based on a non-stationary interference, actually works 

Couse Content 

The following selection of topics will be presented: 

Light waves, modes and rays: Longitudinal and transverse modes, sampling theorem, counting and density of 

modes (“states”) 

Propagation in multimode waveguides. Near-field and far-field. Impulse response and transfer function. 

Perturbations and mode coupling. Multimode interference (MMI) coupler. Modal noise (speckle) 

Propagation in homogeneous media: Resolution limit. Non-paraxial and paraxial optics. Gaussian beam. ABCD 

matrix 

Coherence of optical fields: Coherence function and power spectrum. Polarisation, eigenstates and principal states. 

Measurement of coherence with interferometers (Mach-Zehnder, Michelson). Self-heterodyne and self-homodyne 

setups 

Literature 

Detailed lecture notes as well as the presentation slides can be downloaded from the IPQ lecture pages. Additional reading: 

Born, M.; Wolf, E.: Principles of optics, 6. Aufl. Oxford: Pergamon Press 1980 

Ghatak, A.: Optics, 3. Ed. New Delhi: Tata McGraw Hill 2005 

Hecht, E.: Optics, 2. Ed. Reading: Addison-Wesley 1974 

Hecht, J.: Understanding fiber optics, 4. Ed. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall 2002 

Iizuka, K.: Elements of photonics, Vol. I and II. New York: John Wiley & Sons 2002 

Further textbooks in German (also in electronic form) can be named on request 

Prerequisites 

Minimal background required: Calculus, differential equations and Fourier transform theory. Electrodynamics and field 

calculations or a similar course on electrodynamics or optics is recommended. 


Oral examination, usually one examination day per month during the summer and winter terms. An extra questions-andanswers 

session will be held for preparation if students wish so.


There are no prerequisites, but solution of the problems on the exercise sheet, which can be downloaded as homework each 

week, is highly recommended. Also, active participation in the problem classes and studying in learning groups are strongly 

advised. 

7.1.3 Advanced Inorganic Materials (only in summer term) 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 

3. Sp-AIM Advanced Inorganic Materials 

Module 

Type 

elective 

module in 

specializations 

SP- 

PMD and 

SP-AS 


47 


for Module 

Prof. Dr. Claus 

Feldmann 


SS only ! Lecture 


lecture, and 60h 

recapitulation and selfstudies 

Credit 

Points 

3 


Examination 

oral exam 30 min 

The students refresh and elaborate their knowledge on inorganic materials, materials chemistry as well as basic inorganic 

chemistry and solid state chemistry. This comprises fundamental aspects of the chemistry of the elements as well as state-ofthe-art 

knowledge on the synthesis, structure, properties (including optical properties) and application (including luminescence) 

of inorganic functional materials. 


The students 

get familiar with basic inorganic chemistry and solid state chemistry 

get familiar with concepts of describing crystal structures 

know how to characterize inorganic solid compounds and materials 

learn how to prepare inorganic compounds and solid materials 

understand general aspects of structure-property relations 

comprehend general concepts of solid state chemistry and inorganic functional materials 

are able to rationalize fundamental properties of inorganic materials 

know general trends in view of a technical application of advanced inorganic materials 


Selected aspects of modern functional inorganic materials, including: 

• High-temperature ceramics and hard materials 

• Color pigments – from Egyption blue to 2D Bragg stacks 

• Phosphors, luminescence, spectroscopy 

• Fast ion conductors and high-power batteries 

• Superconductors: metals, alloys, oxocuprates and current developments 

• Porous networks: from zeolites to metalorganic frameworks (MOFs) 

• Transparent conductive oxides and dye-sensitized solar cells 

• Magnetic pigments: magnetic recording, superparamagnetism and magnetothermal therapy 

• Modern thermoelectric materials 

• Fullerenes and fibre-reinforced composite materials 

• Nanomaterials: Quantum Dots, hollow spheres and nanotubes 

. . . and other examples of advanced functional materials 

Literature 

A. WEST (current edition): Solid State Chemistry and its Applications, Wiley. 

A. GREENWOOD, N. EARNSHAW (current edition), Chemistry of the Elements, Elsevier. 

U. MÜLLER (current edition): Inorganic Structural Chemistry, Teubner. 

J. E. HUHEEY, E. A. KEITER (current edition): Inorganic Chemistry, Pearson. 

Selected reviews (as given in the lecture). 

Prerequisites 

Basic knowledge in chemistry 


The oral exam is scheduled at the end of the semester. 


No formal prerequisite, but continuous presence in the lecture is strongly recommended. An overall amount of 50% of the 

problems given in the written exam has to be solved correctly.

7.1.4 Advanced Optical Materials 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 

3. SP-AOM Advanced Optical Materials 

48 


for Module 

Prof. Dr. Martin 

Wegner, Dr. Wolfram 

Pernice 

Module Type Recurrence Mode of Teaching Workload Type of Examination 

Elective 

course in 

specialization 

SP-PMD and 

SP-SE 

Each winter 

term 


Lecture and problems 

class 



lecture, 15h problems 



Credit 

Points 

6 


Examination 

Oral Examination 30 min 

The students receive a thorough introduction to artificially engineered materials and advanced optical components. They 

comprehend the physics of optical phenomena and their application in complex photonic structures and acquire knowledge of 

analytical and simulation tools to describe these. They learn what methods can be used to fabricate new photonic materials in 

two and three dimensions. 

Learning Targets 

The students 

understand the principles of optical material engineering and photonic design 

know how to calculate photonic band diagrams using numerical methods 

are able to relate to the concepts of multi-dimensional periodic optical structures 

comprehend the concepts of defect modal guiding and optical cavities in photonic crystal lattices and photonic 

crystal fibers 

understand the principles of sub-wavelength optical confinement and the origin of surface plasmon polaritons 

are familiar with current methods to visualize surface plasmons 

conceive the advantages and impact of plasmonic devices 

understand the principles of negative refractive index and artificially engineered materials 

receive an introduction to state of the art in photonic research 


I. Introduction (Maxwell’s equations, phenomenological material models, principles of optical waveguiding) 

II. Photonic Crystals (Photonic bandstructures, 1D-, 2D-, 3D- photonic crystals, Defects, Numerical Methods, Photonic crystal 

fibers) 

III. Plasmonics (Surface Plasmons, Metallic nanoparticles, optical Antennas, plasmon waveguides) 

IV. Metamaterials (Negative index materials, transformation optics, microwave and photonic metamaterials, 3D metamaterials) 

V. Integrated Optical Circuits (optical waveguides, nonlinear optical materials, tunable optical devices) 

Literature 

“Optik“, E. Hecht, Addison-Wesley 

“Periodic nanostructures for photonics”, K. Busch et al. Physics Reports 444, 101 (2007) 

“Photonic Crystals, Molding the Flow of Light, second edition“, J.D. Joannopoulos, S. G. Johnson, J.N. Winn, R.D. 

Meade,Princeton University Press (2008) 

“Optical Properties of Photonic Crystals”, K. Sakoda, Springer (2001) 

“Principles of Nano-Optics“, L. Novotny, B. Hecht, Cambridge University Press (2006) 

“Plasmonics: Fundamentals and Applications”, S. Maier, Springer (2007) 

Prerequisites 

basic background in physics, solid background in optics and photonics 

Modality of Examination 

The oral examination is scheduled for the beginning of the semester break after the end of the winter term. 

Prerequisites for Participation at Exam and/or for Acquisition of Credit Points 

7.1.5 Plastic Electronics 

See KSOP website: M.Sc. Curriculum

7.1.6 Solar Energy 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 

3. Sp-SolE Solar Energy 

Module 

Type 

Compulsory 

module in 


SP-SE, 

elective 

module in 

Sp-PMD 

49 


for Module 

Dr. Alexander 

Colsmann 


each WS 


Lectures and problem 

classes 

Total 180 h, hereof 60h 





Credit 

Points 

6 


Examination 


The aim of the class is to elaborate a comprehensive understanding of solar energy conversion (mainly photovoltaics but also 

solar thermal). Students will learn about the basic working principles as well as gain insight into advanced new energy 

conversion concepts. An overview over manufacturing and characterization techniques will be provided in order to enable the 

students to conduct their future research self-sufficiently and independently. 


The students 

understand the basic working principle of pn-junction solar cells, 

learn about the different kinds of solar cells (crystalline and amorphous silicon, CIGS, Cadmium telluride etc.), 

get an overview over upcoming third-generation photovoltaic concepts such as organic and dye-sensitized solar 

cells, 

receive information on photovoltaic modules and module fabrication, 

develop an understanding of solar cell integration and feeding the electrical power to the grid, 

get insight into solar concentration and tandem solar cells for highly efficient energy conversion, 

compare photovoltaic energy harvesting with solar thermal technologies, 

perform a cost analysis of solar energy harvesting technology, 

Tentative Course Content 

I. Introduction, The Sun 

II. Semiconductor fundamentals 

III. Solar cell working principles 

IV. Inorganic solar cells: Silicon solar cells, Copper indium diselenide solar cells, Cadmium telluride 

V. Alternative and highly efficient device concepts 

VI. Modules and system integration 

VII. Organic photovoltaics and dye sensitized solar cells 

VIII. Advanced solar module characterization techniques 

IX. Economics and profitability 

X. Solar thermal energy conversion 

XI. Excursion (optional) 

Literature 

P. Würfel: Physics of Solar Cells 

V. Quaschning: Renewable Energy Systems 

Prerequisites 

Semiconductor fundamentals 


One written exam at the end of each semester. 


Active participation in the lectures and problem classes 

7.1.7 Optical Waveguides & Fibres 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 


for Module 

3. Sp-OWF Optical Waveguides and Fibers Prof. Dr. Christian Koos 4 

Credit 

Points 

Module Type Recurren Mode of Teaching Workload Type of Examination Duration of

Elective course 


Sp-PMD and 

SP-OS 


ce Examination 

each WS Lecture and tutorial 


contact hours (30 h lecture, 

15 h tutorial) and 75 h 


Oral 20 Minutes 

The students conceive basic principles of waveguiding in optical fibers and integrated optical structures. They are able to 

mathematically describe and quantitatively analyze linear signal propagation in optical waveguides, understand the 

implications of material and waveguide dispersion, and are familiar with basic concepts of numerical modelling tools. The 

students have an overview on today’s fiber and waveguide technologies and the associated fabrication methods. The students 

can mathematically describe waveguide-based devices and are able to access state-of-the-art research topics based on 

scientific publications. 


The students 

conceive the basic principles of light-matter-interaction and wave propagation in dielectric media and can explain the 

origin and the implications of the Lorentz model and of Kramers-Kronig relation, 

are able to quantitatively analyze the dispersive properties of optical media using Sellmeier relations and scientific 

databases, 

can explain and mathematically describe the working principle of an optical slab waveguide and the formation of guided 

modes, 

are able to program a mode solver for a slab waveguide in Matlab, 

are familiar with the basic principle of surface plasmon polariton propagation, 

know basic structures of planar integrated waveguides and are able to model special cases with semi-analytical 

approximations such as the Marcatili method or the effective-index method, 

are familiar with the basic concepts of numerical mode solvers and the associated limitations, 

are familiar with state-of-the-art waveguide technologies in integrated optics and the associated fabrication methods, 

know basic concepts of of step-index fibers, graded-index fibers and microstructured fibers, 

are able to derive and solve basic relations for step-index fibers from Maxwell’s equations, 

are familiar with the concept of hybrid and linearly polarized fiber modes, 

can mathematically describe signal propagation in single-mode fibers design dispersion-compensated transmission links, 

conceive the physical origin of fiber attenuation effects, 

are familiar with state-of-the-art fiber technologies and the associated fabrication methods, 

can derive models for dielectric waveguide structures using the mode expansion method, 

conceive the principles of directional couplers, multi-mode interference couplers, and waveguide gratings, 

can mathematically describe active waveguides and waveguide bends. 


1. Introduction: Optical communications 

2. Fundamentals of wave propagation in optics: Maxwell’s equations in optical media, wave equation and plane waves, 

material dispersion, Kramers-Kroig relation and Sellmeier equations, Lorentz and Drude model of refractive index, signal 

propagation in dispersive media. 

3. Slab waveguides: Reflection from a plane dielectric boundary, slab waveguide eigenmodes, radiation modes, inter- 

und intramodal dispersion, metal-dielectric structures and surface plasmon polariton propagation. 

4. Planar integrated waveguides: Basic structures of integrated optical waveguides, guided modes of rectangular 

waveguides (Marcatili method and effective-index method), basics of numerical methods for mode calculations (finite 

difference- and finite-element methods), waveguide technologies in integrated optics and associated fabrication methods 

5. Optical fibers: Optical fiber basics, step-index fibers (hybrid modes and LP-modes), graded-index fibers (infinitely 

extended parabolic profile), microstructured fibers and photonic-crystal fibers, fiber technologies and fabrication methods, 

signal propagation in single-mode fibers, fiber attenuation, dispersion and dispersion compensation 

6. Waveguide-based devices: Modeling of dielectric waveguide structures using mode expansion and orthogonality 

relations, multimode interference couplers and directional couplers, waveguide gratings, material gain and absorption in optical 

waveguides, bent waveguides 

Literature 

B.E.A. Saleh, M.C.Teich: Fundamentals of Photonics 

G. P. Agrawal: Fiber-optic communication systems 

C.-L. Chen: Foundations for guided-wave optics 

Katsunari Okamoto. Fundamentals of Optical Waveguides 

K. Iizuka: Elements of Photonics 

Prerequisites 

Solid mathematical and physical background, basic knowledge of electrodynamics 


The written exam is offered continuously upon individual appointment. 


There are no prerequisites for participating in the examination. 

There is, however, a bonus system based on the problem sets that are solved during the tutorials: During the term, 3 problem 

sets will be collected in the tutorial and graded without prior announcement. If for each of these sets more than 70% of the 

problems have been solved correctly, a bonus of 0.3 grades will be granted on the final mark of the oral exam. 

50

7.1.8 Laser Physics 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 

51 


for Module 

3. Sp-LP Laser Physics Dr. Marc Eichhorn 4 

Module Type 

elective module 

in specializatioinsSp-PMD, 

Sp-AS, Sp- 

BMP, Sp-OS 

Recurren 

ce 

each WS 



Lecture– including 

tutorial 



lectures, 15 h tutorial) 

and 75 h recapitulation 


Credit 

Points 


Examination 

Oral examination 30 minutes 

The students from different backgrounds refresh and elaborate their knowledge of the fundamental processes inside a laser 

and the design of laser sources. They comprehend the physics of light-matter interaction responsible for laser action and the 

different modes of laser operation. They learn how to describe lasers in a mathematical form and compare these descriptions 

with experiments, i.e. they acquire knowledge about the accuracy and usefulness of the different formalisms. The tutorial 

assures training in solving problems in laser physics and laser design. The knowledge gained therein is of high importance for 

all experimental and theoretical tasks in photonics and laser science, including laser development. It is also of great value for 

users of lasers in various domains including photonics, plasma and solid-state physics, aerodynamics and mechanical 

engineering to better understand the properties and the applications of lasers. 


The students 

know the fundamental relations and background of lasers 

gain the necessary knowledge for understanding and dimensioning of lasers, laser media, optical resonators and pump 

strategies 

understand the pulse generation with lasers and their fundamental relations 

obtain the necessary knowledge on several lasers; gas-, solid state, fiber- and disc-lasers in the visible and middle 

infrared range 

Couse Content 

1 Quantum-mechanical fundamentals of lasers 

1.1 Einstein relations and Planck’s law 

1.2 Transition probabilities and matrix elements 

1.3 Mode structure of space and the origin of spontaneous emission 

1.4 Cross sections and broadening of spectral lines 

2 The laser principle 

2.1 Population inversion and feedback 

2.2 Spectroscopic laser rate equations 

2.3 Potential model of the laser 

3 Optical Resonators 

3.1 Linear resonators and stability criterion 

3.2 Mode structure and intensity distribution 

3.3 Line width of the laser emission 

4 Generation of short and ultra-short pulses 

4.1 Basics of Q-switching 

4.2 Basics of mode locking and ultra-short pulses 

5 Laser examples and their applications 

5.1 Gas lasers: The Helium-Neon-Laser 

5.2 Solid-state lasers 

5.2.1 The Nd3+-Laser 

5.2.2 The Tm3+-Laser 

5.2.3 The Ti3+:Al2O3 Laser 

5.3 Special realisations of lasers 

5.3.1 Thermal lensing and thermal stress 

5.3.2 The fiber laser 

5.3.3 The thin-disc laser 

Literature 

M. Eichhorn, Laser physics - Scriptum 

A. E. Siegman, Lasers, (University Science Books) 

B. E. A. Saleh, M. C. Teich,Fundamentals of Photonics(Wiley-Interscience) 

F. K. Kneubühl, M. W. Sigrist, Laser (Teubner) 

Prerequisites 


Modality of Exam

The oral exam is scheduled for the beginning of the break after the WS 


No formal prerequisites. However, steady participation in lecture and tutorial as well as thorough preparation based on the 

scriptum is highly recommended. 

7.1.9 X-Ray Optics 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 

52 


for Module 

3. Sp-XRO X-Ray Optics Dr. Arndt Last 3 

Module 

Type 

Elective 

course in 

specializa-tion 

Sp-PMD 

Recurrenc 

e 

each WS 




excursion to 

synchrotron ANKA) 


contact hours (lecture), and 

60 h recapitulation, 


Credit 

Points 


Examination 


The students comprehend the physics of the generation, the basic laws of propagation in matter and the detection of X-ray 

radiation. They become acquainted with different types of X-ray optics and learn the characteristics of these optical 

components. They understand techniques to simulate this optics. 


The students 

know the importance of X-ray optics in science and material analysis 

can describe the basic phenomena of X-ray generation, propagation and detection 

can calculate the optical path X-rays will follow 

are familiar with different types of X-ray optics 

can decide what X-ray optical component is suited best for what application 

comprehend the concepts of refraction, reflection, diffraction and absorption and are aware of their importance in X-ray 

optics 

know the differences between ray tracing and wave propagation methods and can assess what method is applicable in 

what case 

conceive manufacturing methods of X-ray optics 

know how to characterize X-ray optical components 


I. Introduction: Application of X-ray optics 

II. X-ray generation 

III. Propagation of X-rays in matter 

IV. X-ray detection 

V. Types of X-ray optics: reflecting, refracting, diffracting, absorbing 

VI. Characteristics of X-ray optics 

VII. Methods to simulate X-ray optics (ray tracing, wave propagation) 

VIII. Manufacturing of X-ray optics 

IX. Characterization of X-ray optics 

Literature 

A. Erko, M. Idir, Th. Krist and A. G. Michette (editors), Modern Developments in X-Ray and Neutron Optics 

www.x-ray-optics.com 

Prerequisites 

Basic knowledge in optics 


The oral exam is scheduled individually for the beginning of the break after the WS. 


Not any 

7.1.10 Research Project 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 


for Module 

3. SP-RProj Research Project Prof. Dr. Heinz Kalt 4 

Credit 

Points

Module 

Type 

elective 

module in all 


areas 


each WS 


guided individual 

project work 

total 120 h hereof 60 h 

contact hours 

(supervised research) 

and 60 h preparation of 

report and self-studies 

53 

see “Modality of Exam” 


Examination 

see “Modality 

of Exam” 

The Research Project augments the theoretical knowledge acquired in the elective lecture courses by application to hands-on 

research in the respective KSOP research area. Hereby the student will also explore possible topics for the subsequent 

master thesis 


The students 

get in-depth insight into a special research topic 

get hands-on experience in experimental and/or theoretical techniques 

learn how to obtain and evaluate relevant scientific literature 

get first experience on how to plan and organize a research project 

learn how to write a scientific report 

has the possibility to explore a topic for her/his Master’s Thesis 


The 3rd semester Research Project is optional, but highly recommended for students not working in a KSOP institute as 

research assistants. Accordingly, the topics of the Research Projects are provided by the KSOP PIs on an individual basis. 

The projects are supposed to complement the set of elective lecture courses within the specialization area of the student. 

The topics of the Research Projects are constantly adapted to the current research within KSOP. 

Literature 

Literature is provided by the supervisors of the individual projects. 

Prerequisites 

Basic background in optics and photonics. 


The date of the project work is to be fixed individually. The format can be: 

a 1,5 week block course in the semester break 

a consecutive work of 4h/week during the entire semester 

A written report of about 10 pages (at the discretion of the supervisor) concludes the Research Project. The overall 

performance of the students will be graded. The mark and the allocated 4CP are optional part of the elective courses in the 

specialization direction. 

Prerequisites for participation at exam and/or for acquisition of credit points

7.2 Elective Courses Advanced Spectroscopy 

7.2.1 Molecular Spectroscopy 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 

3. SP-MS Molecular Spectroscopy 

Module 

Type 

Elective 

course in 


SP-AS 

54 


for Module 

Prof. Dr. M. Kappes 

PD Dr. O. Hampe 

PD Dr. A.-N. Unterreiner 


each WS 


Lectures and problem 

classes 

total 120 h, hereof 45 

h contact hours (30 h 




Credit Points 

4 


Examination 


Students will obtain a comprehensive overview of the field of molecular spectroscopy and will learn to interpret and assign 

molecular spectra. Starting with the quantum mechanical foundations of light-matter interactions, selection rules and 

structure-dependent transition energies will be derived for rotational-, vibrational- and electronic-spectroscopy. The focus is on 

dipole-allowed transitions in diatomic molecules. However, students will also learn about absorption/emission in small 

polyatomic species. Additionally, the fundamentals of Raman scattering as well as nuclear and electron spin resonance 

spectroscopy will be presented. 


The students 

understand and can apply the quantum mechanical description of molecular rotational, vibrational and electronic 

spectroscopy; 

can analyse and assign microwave, vibrational, electronic and Raman spectra of diatomic and small polyatomic 

molecules; 

understand the interdependence between spectroscopic method, experimental design and required optical 

components 

learn the fundamentals of electron and nuclear spin resonance spectroscopy 


I. Spectroscopic fundamentals: spectral regions; conversion factors; resolution; characteristic timescales; light-matter 

interactions; experimental configurations; 

II. Quantum-mechanical treatment of light absorption: Schrödinger equation; time-dependent perturbation theory description 

of transitions in a two-level system; Einstein coefficients; line profiles (lifetime broadening, Doppler- and collisional 

broadening); saturation; 

III. Diatomic molecules: transition dipole moment formalism to calculate selection rules for harmonic oscillator and rigid rotor 

models, occupation numbers and transition strengths, Morse potential and Pekeris equation, vibration-rotation spectroscopy; 

vibrational overtones and time-independent perturbation theory; Raman effect and quantum-mechanical description; couplings 

and complications (nuclear spin statistics, quadratic Stark effect, rotational Zeeman effect); 

IV. Polyatomic molecules: rotation in classical mechanics (moment of inertia tensor; oblate and prolate rotors; asymmetric 

rotor); quantum-mechanical description; selection rules and correlations between symmetric and asymmetric rotors; structure 

determination by microwave spectroscopy; vibrations in polyatomics; degrees of freedom; Lagrangian mechanics; normal 

coordinates and symmetry; selection rules; GF-matrix formalism for normal coordinate analysis; 

V. Introduction to electronic spectroscopy: Born-Oppenheimer approximation; Franck-Condon factors; 

VI. Introduction to electron and nuclear spin resonance: basic theory and experimental setups. 

Literature 

Atkins: Molecular Quantum Mechanics, P. Bernath: Spectra of Atoms and Molecules, Demtröder: Laser Spectroscopy 

Prerequisites 

Basic atomic/molecular quantum mechanics 


The written exam is scheduled for the beginning of the break after the WS. A resit exam is offered at the end of the break. 

The exam consists of a set of problems that the students solve with the aid of certain allowed resources. 


One page of exercises is handed out to the students as homework each week. Solutions to these exercises can be presented 

by the students during exercises/tutorials on the blackboard on a voluntary basis. Participation in questions and answers 

during tutorials is strongly supported and encouraged (though not a formal requirement).

7.2.2 Nano-Optics 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 

55 


for Module 

3. Sp-NO Nano-Optics PD Dr. Andreas Naber 3 

Module 

Type 

elective 

module in 

specializations 

Sp-AS 

and SP- 

BMP 





contact hours (lecture) 

and 60h recapitulation 


Credit 

Points 


Examination 

Oral exam 30 minutes 

The lecture gives an introduction to theory and instrumentation of advanced methods in optical microscopy. Emphasis is laid 

on far- and near-field optical techniques with an optical resolution capability on a 10- to 100-nm-scale which is well below the 

principal limit of classical microscopy. Applications from different scientific disciplines are discussed (e.g. single-molecule 

detection, plasmon-polariton propagation on metal surfaces, imaging of biological cell compartments including membranes). 


The students 

improve their understanding of general principles in electrodynamics and optics 

have a deeper understanding of the theoretical background in optical imaging and its relation to phenomena on a 

nanoscale 

can derive the wave equation for the propagation of evanescent electromagnetic waves 

are able to calculate the photon emission rate of molecules 

are familiar with conventional techniques in optical microscopy and make use of their knowledge for the understanding of 

nano-optical methods 

realize the necessity of completely new experimental concepts to overcome the constraints of classical microscopy in the 

exploration of optical phenomena beyond the diffraction limit 

understand the basics of different experimental approaches for optical imaging on a nanoscale 

are able to discuss pros and cons of these techniques for applications in different fields of physics and biology 

are aware of the importance of nano-optical methods for the elucidation of long-standing interdisciplinary issues 


I. Overview 

II. Theoretical aspects (Maxwell's equations; boundary conditions; near- and far-field radiation; plasmons; surface plasmon 

polaritons; localized plasmons; Mie scattering; optical properties of molecules including absorption cross section and rate 

equations) 

II. Classical optical microscopy (historical background; microscopic imaging process; primary aberrations and sine condition; 

microscopic techniques including interference contrast, phase contrast and fluorescence microscopy, confocal light scanning 

microscopy, total internal reflection microscopy) 

III. Near-field techniques in nano-optics (nano antennas and nano-apertures; photon scanning tunneling microscopy; scanning 

near-field optical microscopy; methodology including probe fabrication and surface distance control; single molecule 

microscopy & spectroscopy; selected applications & results) 

IV. Far-field techniques in nano-optics (nanoscale dynamics of single molecules; single molecule tracking; fluorescence 

correlation spectroscopy; 4Pi microscopy; stimulated emission depletion microscopy; stochastic optical reconstruction 

microscopy; applications in physics and biology) 

Literature 

J. D. Jackson, Electrodynamics 

E. Hecht, Optics 

Born & Wolf, Principles of Optics 

Novotny & Hecht, Principles of Nano-Optics 

Prerequisites 

Solid mathematical background, basics of classical optics 


oral exam 


none

7.2.3 Laser Metrology (only in summer term) 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 

56 


for Module 

3. Sp-LM Laser Metrology Dr. Marc Eichhorn 3 

Module 

Type 

elective 

module in 

specializatioins 

Sp-AS 

and Sp-OS 



each SS Lecture 



lectures) and 90 h 

recapitulation and selfstudies 

Credit 

Points 


Examination 

Oral examination 30 minutes 

The students from different backgrounds refresh and elaborate their knowledge of laser metrology and various examples of 

possible experimental setups for a large variety of measurement problems. They comprehend the important aspects of laser 

radiation and their exploitation for metrological tasks. They learn how to describe these properties and laser-metrological 

setups in a mathematical form and compare these descriptions with experiments, i.e. they acquire knowledge about the 

accuracy and usefulness of the different formalisms and techniques. The knowledge gained in this course is of high 

importance for all experimental tasks in photonics and allows a better preparation, choice of methods and optimisation of 

experiments or metrological setups in various domains including photonics, plasma and solid-state physics, aerodynamics and 

mechanical engineering. 


The students 

know the fundamental properties of laser light 

comprehend the different information accessible by laser metrology 

understand the fundamentals of different detectors and their limits for beam diagnostics 

comprehend several laser-metrological setups: Moiré, range and velocity measurements, absorption and scattering 

techniques. 

Couse Content 

1 Laser diagnostics - theoretical considerations (laser beam properties, coherence, spectral emission of lasers, mode 

structure and selection, coherence length) 

2 Metrological accessible information (propagation in homogeneous and isotropic, in inhomogeneous and in anisotropic 

media) 

3 Beam diagnostics (photoelectric detectors, information theory, granulation properties of laser light) 

4 Laser-Interferometer (fundamentals, two-beam Interferometer, interferometry applications in plasma physics, two- and 

multiwavelength-interferometry, laser gyroscopes) 

5 Moiré technique (Moiré deflectometry, Fresnel- and. Fraunhofer diffraction, applications and evaluation of the Moiré 

technique) 

6 Laser range measurements (fundamentals, atmospheric influence on propagation, optical distance measurement 

techniques, accuracy, sensitivity, heterodyne detection, selected heterodyne detection schemes, tomoscopy) 

7 Laser velocity measurement techniques (Doppler principle; measuring flow velocities using Doppler effect, the two-focus 

technique or laser anemometry; time-resolved imaging particle-trace anemometry) 

8 Absorption and scattering techniques (absorption techniques, LIDARs, scattering processes in laser diagnostics, 

spontaneous scattering techniques, spectroscopic techniques, stimulated scattering, nonlinear optical laser light scattering 

techniques) 

Literature 

M. Eichhorn, Laser metrology – Scriptum 

A. E. Siegman, Lasers (University Science Books) 

B. E. A. Saleh, M. C. Teich, Fundamentals of Photonics (Wiley-Interscience) 

Prerequisites 



The oral exam is scheduled for the beginning of the break after the SS 


No formal prerequisites. However, steady participation in the lecture as well as thorough preparation based on the scriptum is 

highly recommended.


see 6.1.1 

7.2.5 Advanced Inorganic Materials (only in summer term) 

see 6.1.3 


see 6.1.8 

7.2.7 Research Projects 

see 6.1.10 

57

7.3 Elective Courses Biomedical Photonics 

7.3.1 Imaging Techniques in Light Microscopy 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 

3. Sp-ITL Imaging Techniques in Light Microscopy 

Module 

Type 

Elective 

module in 


Sp- 

BMP 

58 


for Module 

Prof. Dr. Martin 

Bastmeyer 


Each WS 



demonstration of 

microscopic techniques 

in the laboratory) 



lecture), and 60h 


Oral 

or 

written exam 

Credit 

Points 

3 


Examination 

45min (oral) 

or 

120min 

(Written) 

This lecture series is designed to gain familiarity with fundamentals of biological light microscopy and modern fluorescence 

techniques. Depending on the content, the students will have lab demonstrations of different microscopes or imaging 

techniques covered in the lecture. 


The students 

are able to derive the description of geometric- and wave-optical principles of a compound microscope 

know the physical principles of fluorescent dyes 

understand the configuration of laser scanning microscopes 

comprehend digital imaging and image processing 

have experienced a hands on laboratory praxis of the different microscopic techniques 

understand the biological principles of GFP-expression 

know the latest developments in light microscopy 

understand how technical development of microscopes has driven basic biological research 

Couse Content 

I. Introduction (History and Basic Principles of Compound Microscopes, Resolution and Contrast, Biological Sample 

Preparation) 

II. Imaging Modes and Contrast Techniques (Biological Amplitude and Phase Objects, Phase Contrast, Interference Contrast, 

Polarization Microscopy) 

III. Fluorescence Microscopy (Microscopic Principles, Fluorescent Dyes and Proteins, Biological Sample Preparation) 

IV. Laser-Scanning-Microscopy (Basic Principles, Spinning Disk, 2-Photon Microscopy, Optical Sectioning Techniques) 

V. Live Cell Imaging (Video Microscopy, Fluorescent Proteins) 

VI. Special Fluorescence Techniques (FRET, TIRF, FCS) 

VII. Super Resolution Microscopy (SIM, PALM, dSTORM, STED) 

VII. Digital images (Image Processing, Data Analysis and Quantification) 

Literature 

Lecture presentations will be accessible in pdf-format 

Recent review articles will be distributed before the lectures 

Books: 

Alan R. Hibbs: Confocal Microscopy for Biologists, Springer Press 

Rafael Yuste (Ed.): Imaging, a laboratory manual, CSH Press 

James Pawley: Handbook of biological confocal microscopy, Plenum Press 

Prerequisites 

Basic knowledge in physics and biology 


Depending on the number of participants, an oral or written exam is accomplished. The exact modality of the exam will be 

announced at the beginning of the semester. The written exam is scheduled for the beginning of the break after the WS. A 

resit exam is offered at the end of the break. 


Attendance to the lecture.

7.3.2 Optics and Vision in Biology 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 

3. Sp-OVB Optics and Vision in Biology 

Module Type 

Elective module 


Sp-BMP 

Recurren 

ce 


Each WS Lecture 

59 


for Module 

Prof. Dr. M. Bastmeyer 

Dr. F. Weth 


Total 120h, hereof 40h 

contact hours and 80h 


Credit 

Points 

4 


Examination 

Written exam 120 Minutes 

Evolution has developed abundant ways of harnessing light for the benefits of life. Through plant photosynthesis, life 

manifestations of all higher species are powered by solar energy. Light sensing has evolved a bewildering variety of forms 

ranging from light control of reproduction, germination, development in microorganisms to sophisticated visual processing in 

higher animals. In this course, students will develop a conceptual understanding of the overwhelming importance of light in 

these natural biological processes. Learning from nature might enable them in the future to generate novel ideas for 

technological applications of light, ranging from sustainable energy conversion to computer vision. 


The students 

understand the anatomy and optics of the vertebrate eye and its aberrations 

comprehend retinal microanatomy and its relation to retinal computation 

are familiar with the wiring of the retinofugal pathways in vertebrates 

know their roles in circadian rhythm, pupillary relex and gaze control 

concieve the details of higher visual processing in the thalamocortical pathway 

know how cortical processing achieves visual scene segmentation and feature binding 

understand the psychophysics of the perception of brightness, color, shape, depth and motion 

are acquainted with the different types of eyes in lower animals 

can distinguish microvillated and ciliated photoreceptors 

are able to analyse the function of compound eyes and the insect visual system 

can conceptualize the molecular details of phototransduction in the different types of photoreceptors 

understand the quantum bump as the signature of single-photon sensitivity 

comprehend microbial light sensing and its influence on circadian clocks, phototropism, reproduction 

know the underlying phytochromes and associated proteins 

understand how light can regulate gene expression in microorganisms 

have grasped the mechanisms of green plant photosynthesis 

conceive the structure and function of chloroplasts, antenna complexes and photosystems 

have conceptualized the underlying energy transfer cascades, electron transport chain as well as the Calvin cycle of 

carbon fixation 

comprehend the light path in leaves 

know the Kautsky effect involving fluorescence and photosynthesis 

understand the advantages and disadvantages of biofuels 

are familiar with the principles of optogenetics as a means to genetically engineer organisms to induce light sensitivity 

Couse Content 

I. The vertebrate eye and retina 

II. Central visual pathways in vertebrates 

III. Visual processing and perception in the human cortex 

IV. Invertebrate eyes – evolution, architecture and function 

V. Phototransduction 

VI. Microbial phytochromes and light sensing 

VII. Photosynthesis 

VIII. Optogenetics 

Literature 

Lecture presentations are provided in pdf-format 

Neuroscience, Purves, D. et al., Sinauer, 2011 

Biology, Campbell NA and Reece JB, Prentice Hall International, 2011 

Prerequisites 

Passed exam of the Adjustment Course in “Basic Molecular Cell Biology” AdjC-BMCB. 


The written exam is scheduled for the break after the WS. A resit exam will be offered, when needed. 


Attendance to the lecture.

7.3.3 Nano-Optics 

see 6.2.2 

7.3.4 Advanced Molecular Cell Biology 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 

60 


for Module 

3. Sp-MCB Advanced Molecular Cell Biology Dr. Franco Weth 5 

Module 

Type 

Compulsory 

module in 


SP-BMP 


Each WS 



class 

Total 150h, hereof 40h contact 

hours (30h class, 10h problem 

class), and 110h homework 


Oral or written 

Credit 

Points 


Examination 

45min (oral) 

or 

120min 

(written) 

This course is core to the specialization in Biomedical Photonics. It will be based on the self-study of advanced textbook and 

review articles, which will be covered in round table discussions in the weekly class sessions. Each participant in turn will be 

responsible for chairing 1-2 sessions. Based on their knowledge of the first principles of Cell Biology acquired in the 

Adjustment Course “Basic Molecular Cell Biology” in the last semester, students who have selected Biomedical Photonics for 

specialization will now turn to more advanced aspects of modern Molecular Biology. On one hand, they will get acquainted 

with problems and concepts of current research in Molecular Cell Biology and on the other hand, they will familiarize 

themselves with techniques of Optics & Photonics used in the experiments underlying the development of these concepts. In 

the problem class they will work on term-to-learn, true/false and thought problems, and they will gather experience interpreting 

experimental evidence from analyse-the-data problems. In addition, they will use multimedia contents and molecular models to 

visualize cell biological processes and to develop a more vivid insight into modern Molecular Biology. 


The students 

are able to extract the central ideas from an advanced textbook or review article and introduce their fellow student to the 

topic, 

have acquire an advanced knowledge of the cell division cycle and exemplify applications of FRET for its analysis, 

understand DNA replication, recombination and repair and the basis of fluorescence based deep sequencing, 

are familiar with nuclear organization and epigenetic regulation and FISH as a means of analysing chromosomes, 

understand protein folding and degradation and discuss optical tweezers as a tool for the investigation of the folding 

problem, 

can address posttranslational modifications and cutting edge technologies based on fluorophore click-chemistry to observe 

them, 

comprehend cell suicide (apoptosis) and techniques of laser ablation to induce cell death 

are familiar with the different forms of cell/cell and cell/matrix contacts and with TIRF microscopy as a means of studying 

them, 

conceive the mechanisms of cell migration and their observation by live cell imaging, 

are familiar with principal mechanisms of embryonic development and understand fluorescent microarray technology for 

profiling the accompanying gene expression changes, 

understand the concepts of tissues, stem cells and cancer and of the quantification of gene expression by fluorescent 

nanostring and real-time fluorescence spectroscopy (qPCR), 

understand excitability and synaptic transmission in neurons and their observation with voltage and calcium sensitive 

flourophores, 

are acquainted with the concepts of immunity and the application of antibodies in fluorescent immunoassays. 

Couse Content 

Course contents might vary depending on the focus of interest of the participants. Suggested topics will include: 

I. Cell division Cycle 

II. DNA replication, recombination, repair 

III. Chromosome organization and epigenetic regulation 

IV. Protein folding and degradation 

V. Posttranslational modification 

VI. Apoptosis 

VII. Cell/cell and cell/matrix contacts 

VIII. Cell migration 

IX. Tissues, stem cells, cancer 

X. Mechanisms of development 

XI. Membrane excitability and synaptic function in neurons 

XII. Immunity 

Covered Optics & Photonics related techniques might include: Deep Sequencing, FISH, optical tweezers, fluorophore clickchemistry, 

FRET, laser ablation, TIRF microscopy, photolithographic microarrays, nanostring single molecule technology, 

qPCR, voltage and calcium sensitive fluorescent dyes, immunoassays. 

Literature

Molecular Biology of the Cell, Alberts, B., et al., Taylor & Francis, 2007 

Molecular Cell Biology, Lodish, H., et al., Macmillan, 2013 

Prerequisites 

Passed exam of the Adjustment Course in “Basic Molecular Cell Biology”. 


The exam will be oral or written depending on the number of course participants. The exact modality of the exam will be 

announced at the beginning of the semester. The exam is scheduled for the break after the WS. A resit exam will be offered 

when needed. 


Advanced textbook or review articles will be announced on a weekly basis. They have to be read by all participants. The 

contents will be discussed in the class sessions. Each class session is chaired by one participant and all participants have to 

contribute a sub-chapter / figure per session. For the problems class, exercise sheets will be handed out and participants have 

to be prepared to present their solutions. 

7.3.5 Photochemistry 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 

3. Sp-OPC Organic Photochemistry 

Module 

Type 

elective 

course in 


SP-BMP 


61 


for Module 

Prof. Dr. Hans-Achim 

Wagenknecht 




contact hours (lecture) and 

60 h recapitulation and selfstudies 

Credit 

Points 

3 


Examination 

Written exam 90 min 

The students learn the principles of organic photochemistry. This includes the knowledge about the photochemical reactivity of 

functional groups in organic compounds, photocatalysis and applications in synthesis and bioorganic chemistry. 


The students 

Can draw reaction mechanism of organic photochemical reactions 

Know the difference of direct excitation of organic functional groups vs. photocatalysis 

Know the photophysics of excitation of organic chromophores and the major decay pathways 

Can relate structure of functional groups to photochemical reactivity and organic synthesis 

Know difference of photoinduced electron transfer and energy transfer to induce organic reactions 

Know the special significance of visible light excitation 

Couse Content 

1. Photophysical basics 

2. Organic photochemistry 

2.1 Principles 

2.2 Photoadditions 

2.3 Photolyses 

2.4 Photoisomerization and molecular switches 

3. Photocatalysis 

3.1 Flavin photocatalysis 

3.2 Template photocatalysis 

3.3 Introduction in photoredoxcatalysis 

3.4 Photoredoxorganocatalysis 

3.5 Water splitting 

4. Bioorganic photochemistry 

4.1 Photocleavable groups 

4.2 Photoaffinity labeling 

4.3 Singulet oxygen, photodynamic therapy and chemiluminescence 

4.4 Photoinduced electron transfer in DNA 

Literature 

A. Albini, M. Fagnoni (Hrsg.), Handbook of Synthetic Photochemistry, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 2010. 

P. Klán, J. Wirz, Photochemistry of Organic Compounds, Wiley, 2009. 

N. J. Turro, V. Ramamurthy, J. C. Scaiano, Principles of Molecular Photochemistry, University Science Books, 2009. 

B. Valeur, Molecular Fluorescence, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 2002. 

Prerequisites 

Solid background in organic chemistry. 

Modality of Exam

The written exam is scheduled for the beginning of the break after the WS. A resit exam is offered at the end of the break. 


No formal prerequisite, but participation in the lecture is highly recommended. 


see 6.1.8 

7.3.7 Exploring biomolecular interactions by single- 

molecule flourescence 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

3. Sp-EBI 

Module 

Type 

Elective 

course in 


Sp- 

BMP 


Module Name 

Exploring biomolecular interactions by singlemolecule 

fluorescence 

62 


for Module 

Prof. Dr. Gerd Ulrich 

Nienhaus 




contact hours (lecture) 

and 60 h recapitulation 


Credit 

Points 

3 


Examination 

Written exam 60 min 

Students with a general knowledge of basic optics and photonics will be exposed to “state-of-the-art” single-molecule 

fluorescence microscopy techniques and their application in the life sciences 


After taking this course, students 

know elementary concepts of molecular biophysics, including the structure, folding and functioning of proteins and 

nucleic acids 

are familiar with various microscope configurations, including wide-field and confocal, and they will also understand 

different microscopy-based concepts, such as fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, fluorescence resonance 

energy transfer, single-particle tracking, etc… 

understand advantages and limitations of particular optical microscopy techniques for solving biological and 

biophysical problems 


I. Introduction (protein and nucleic acid structure) 

II. Microscope configurations and techniques (confocal and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopes, fluorescence 

correlation spectroscopy, burst analysis, time-correlated single photon counting, fluorescence lifetime imaging, single-molecule 

fluorescence resonance energy transfer, single-particle tracking) 

III. Protein and nucleic acid folding (thermodynamics and kinetics) 

IV. Protein – nucleic acid interaction (DNA replication, DNA transcription, and translation) 

V. Cell structure and function (cytoskeleton, membrane proteins, live-cell imaging with superresolution techniques) 

Literature 

Berg, Tymoczko, & Stryer: Biochemistry 

Gell, Brockwell, & Smith: Handbook of Single Molecule Fluorescence Spectroscopy 

Prerequisites 

Basic knowledge of geometrical and wave optics 


written exam 


Attendance of more than 75% of lectures is required to qualify for the exam. 


See 6.1.10

7.4 Elective Courses Optical Systems 

7.4.1 Systems and Software Engineering 


7.4.2 Machine Vision 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 

63 


for Module 

3. Sp-MV Machine Vision Dr. Martin Lauer 6 

Module 

Type 

Elective 

course in 


Sp-OS 


each WS 


Lecture and computer 

exercises 



lecture, 15h computer 

exercises), and 120h 


Credit 

Points 


Examination 


The students acquire fundamental knowledge in the techniques of machine vision and image analysis. They understand the 

basic techniques of signal processing applied to images, the basic algorithms for image segmentation and pattern recognition, 

and they are able to apply these algorithms properly to real-world machine vision problems. Furthermore, they understand the 

optical and geometrical properties of camera based perception systems and they are able to design appropriate systems for 

the purpose of 2d and 3d measurement tasks. 


The students 

comprehend how images and the process of obtaining digital images can be described mathematically and with the 

concepts of signal processing (e. g. Fourier transform, convolution) 

are familiar with fundamental algorithms in machine vision like image filtering, edge detection, and segmentation 

are able to apply machine vision techniques to real-world tasks properly 

are able to extend existing machine vision algorithms to meet new requirements 

are familiar with techniques in pattern recognition, understand the basic concepts of learning a classifier, and know 

the most important classifier types like SVM and boosting 

know how to set up a camera based perception system for real-world tasks 

are able to control the camera properties and the illumination of the scene to meet the requirement of real-world 

problems 

know about the possibilities and limitations of vision-based perception systems 


1. Introduction and overview of machine vision 

2. Image preprocessing techniques 

3. Edge and corner detection 

4. Curve and line fitting 

5. Color analysis 

6. Image segmentation 

7. Camera optics 

8. Illumination models 

9. 3d reconstruction 

10. Pattern recognition 

11. Human perception 

Literature 

R. Jain, R. Kasturi, B. G. Schunck, Machine Vision 

E. R. Davis, Machine Vision 

D. A. Forsyth, J. Ponce, Computer Vision. A Modern Approach 

B. Jähne, Digital Image Processing 

Prerequisites 



Appointments for the oral exam are offered throughout the whole year


None. 

7.4.3 Optical Transmitters and Receivers 


7.4.4 Optical Waveguides and Fibres 

See 6.1.7 

7.4.5 Light and Display Engineering 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 

64 


for Module 

3. Sp-LDE Light and Display Engineering Dr. Rainer Kling 4 

Module Type 

Elective course 


Sp-OS 

Recurren 

ce 

each WS 




demonstration 


tutorial 

total 120 h, hereof 45h contact 

hours (lecture and tutorial), 

and 75h homework and selfstudies 

Credit 

Points 


Examination 

Oral exam 25 Minutes 

The students will apply their comprehensive knowledge of physics of optical phenomena to applied optical systems in light and 

display engineering. These applications span from human sensing with the eye to light technologies with lamps, luminaires 

and to displays. The course gives a broad overview how optics can be applied in modern technology fields. The subjects 

taught are further clarified by demonstrations, models and experiments. 


The students 

can derive the description of basic of light engineering starting from the eye and the visual system 

know how to handle basic metrical units and know how to measure them 

understand the visible sensing in contrast to radiation measurements 

comprehend the concepts of colour and colour control 

are familiar with all types of light sources from low pressure lamps to LED modules 

conceive the operation principle of various types of drivers 

know how to set up a luminaire and how simulate a reflector 

they understand how active (Plasma Displays) and passive displays (TFT Display) work and how to operate them 

have a good visualization of numerous optical design approaches 


1. Motivation: Light & Display Engineering 

2. Light, the Eye and the Visual System 

3. Light in non - visual Processes (UV Processes) 

4. Fundamentals in Light Engineering 

5. Color and Brightness 

6. Light Sources (Halogen, Low Pressure and High Pressure Lamps, LEDs and Drivers 

7. Displays (Plasma Display, TFT Display) 

8. Luminaries (Fundamentals, Design Rules, Simulations) 

9. Optical Design (Ray tracing, Reflector design, Computed Ray tracing) 

Literature 

Simons, Lighting Engineering: Applied Calculations, 2001 

Shunsuke Kobayashi: LCD Backlights, 2009 

Winchip, Fundamentals of Lighting, 2nd Edition, 2011 

Malacara, Handbook of Optical Design, 2004 

Prerequisites 

Basic physics background 


The oral exam is flexibly held by student request after the WS. 


None

7.4.6 Field propagation and coherence 

See 6.1.2 


See 6.1.5 

7.4.8 Laser Metrology (only in summer term) 

see 6.2.3 


see 6.1.7 

7.4.10 Laser Materials Processing 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 

65 


for Module 

3. Sp-LMP Laser Materials Processing Prof. Dr. Thomas Graf 3 

Module 

Type 

Elective 

course in 


Sp-OS 

and Sp-SE 


each WS 

(block 

course at 

begin of 

break) 



demonstration 


problem class 


contact hours, and 79h 


Credit 

Points 


Examination 


The goal of the module is to gain knowledge and understanding of the manifold applications of the laser, especially for 

welding, cutting, drilling, structuring, and surface treatment. 


The students 

know and understand the numerous application possibilities of the laser in welding, cutting, drilling, structuring, 

surface treatment, and forming 

understand which properties of the laser beam, material, and environment influence the processes in which way 

are able to judge and to improve the quality and efficiency of laser-based processes 



II. The Tool (Laser Beams, Generation of Laser Beams, Laser Beam Sources, System Engineering) 

III. Fundamentals of the Laser-Material Interaction (Energy Deposition, Thermal Effects, Laser-Induced Plasma, Scattering 

and Absorption at Particles and Molecules, Energy Balance) 

IV. The Processes (Cutting, Welding, Surface Treatments, Drilling and Structuring) 

Literature 

Hügel, Graf: Laser in der Fertigung – Strahlquellen, Systeme, Fertigungsverfahren, 

Vieweg+Teubner ISBN: 978-3-8351-0005-3 

Prerequisites 

Basic knowledge of physics and mathematics for the solution of simple equations 


Oral exams on arrangement 


none

7.4.11 Research Project 

See 6.1.10 

7.5 Elective Courses Solar Energy 

7.5.1 Solar Energy 

See 6.1.6 


See 6.1.5 

7.5.3 Electric Power Generation and Power Grid 

Semester 

Module 

Code 

Module Name 

66 


for Module 

3. Sp-EPG Power Generation and Power Grid Dr.-Ing. Bernd Hoferer 3 

Module 

Type 

elective 

module in 


Sp-SE 







Credit 

Points 


Examination 


Power generation and power grid fundamental lecture. The lecture covers the entire topic of power generation from conversion 

of primary energy resources in coal fired power plants and nuclear power plants to utilisation of renewable energy. The lecture 

gives a review of the physical fundamentals, technical-economical aspects and potential for development of power generation 

both conventional generation and renewable generation. Power generation has a major impact on the power grid. Therefore 

power generation and the consequences for the grid are the main subjects of this lecture. The basics of load flow and electric 

power grid calculations are presented as well as solutions for critical conditions of the power grid due to volatile power 

generations units. 


The students 

are familiar with characteristics of different types of power generation 

are able to evaluate the performance of different types of power generation 

comprehend the challenges in power transmission systems due to volatile power generation. 

can derive solutions for a future power generation pool and power grid 

are able to calculate the efficiency factor of power generation systems 

know how to apply mathematical concepts like load flow calculation and short-circuit calculations 

Couse Content 

I. Energy resources and energy consumption 

II. Conversion of primary energy in power plants; thermo-dynamical fundamental terms, processes in steam power plants; 

steam power plants components; flue gas cleaning 

III. Synchronous machines 

IV. Thermal power plants (fossil-fueled steam generation, nuclear-fueled steam generation) 

V. Renewable energy generation (hydro-electric, wind, solar) 

VI. Transmission systems (AC power transmission, DC power transmission) 

VII. Load flow calculations 

Literature 

Schwab; Electric energy systems; 

Fink, Beaty; Standard handbook for electrical engineers 

Prerequisites 


oral exam 


none

7.5.4 Advanced Optical Materials 

See 6.1.4 


See 6.1.1 

7.5.6 Laser Materials Processing 

See 6.4.10 


See 6.1.10 

7.6 Additive key competencies 

see 4.4 

8. 4. Semester: Master Thesis 30 CP 

67

Study Guidebook - Karlsruhe School of Optics & Photonics - KIT

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