Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2022-2023 (archived)

Module ENGI4557: Photonics 4

Department: Engineering

ENGI4557: Photonics 4

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 10 Availability Available in 2022/23 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to H100

Prerequisites

  • ENGI3331

Corequisites

  • As specified in programme regulations.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • As specified in programme regulations.

Aims

  • This module is designed solely for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes.
  • To provide an overview and describe the characteristics of the Electromagnetic waves propagation and the underpinning Maxwell equations.
  • To provide students with advanced knowledge and understanding of advanced semiconductor photonic devices, including the underpinning photon-matter interaction.

Content

  • Maxwell equations
  • Electromagnetic waves propagation
  • Reflection and refraction
  • Photon-matter interaction: Photoconduction, optical absorption and photodiodes
  • Light emitting devices and Lasers
  • Semiconductor solar cells

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Understanding of electrodynamics.
  • Awareness of the state-of-the-art of microelectronic devices.
  • Understanding of the scope for further developments and an appreciation of the possible exploitation of optoelectronics technologies for the realisation of new device architectures.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • An awareness of current technology, analysis methods and industrial practises along with the ability to apply those methods in novel situations.
  • An in-depth knowledge and understanding of specialised and advanced technical and professional skills, an ability to perform critical assessment and review and an ability to communicate the results of their own work effectively.
  • Use of electrodynamics concepts in modern electronics applications.
Key Skills:
  • Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
  • Specialised analytical and numerical skills appropriate to an engineer.
  • Mathematics relevant to the application of advanced engineering concepts.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The module content is delivered in lectures and is reinforced by problem sheets, equipping students with the required problem-solving capability.
  • Students are able to make use of staff 'Tutorial Hours' to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one-to-one basis. These are sign up sessions available for up to one hour per week per lecture course.
  • Written timed examinations are appropriate because of the wide range of analytical, in-depth material covered in this module and allow students to demonstrate the ability to solve advanced problems independently.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 20 Typically 2 per week 1 Hour 20
Tutorial Hours As required Weekly sign-up sessions Up to 1 Hour 10
Preparation and Reading 70
Total 100

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Examination 2 hours 100% No

Formative Assessment:

N/A


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University