Aims

at the level of the total chemistry program:To make sure that the student realizes how molecular materials with advanced optical properties can perform optical functions that are very similar to electronics or can be integrated with electronics and how current research contributes to photonics as an enabling technology in our aging, energy-greedy information society.
 
at the level of this specific course
The student can scale the concept of X-ray diffraction on semiconductor crystals with an electronic bandgap with or without impurity doping, to opalescence of photonic crystals with an optical stopband with or without defect mode passbands. The student can rationalize the effect of a photonic bandgap on the steady-state and time-resolved emission from a photonic crystal.
The student understands the molecular and symmetry aspects needed to impart second- and third-order nonlinear optical properties to a molecular material, both at the single molecule and at the ensemble level, and is able to indicate all engineering steps from the molecule to a working electro-optic modulator device for converting electronic digital data to optical pulses for optical long-distance data transfer.
The student can indicate in a charge-transfer molecule the electron donor and electron acceptor moiety, and relate these to electron transfer and proton transfer properties, and ultimately, to redox and acido-switching of the optical properties.
The student realizes that the molecular requirements for organic photovoltaics and for organic light emitting diodes are very similar and that conjugated materials can contribute to energy saving.
The student realizes that the symmetry requirements for second-harmonic generation and for two-photon fluorescence are different and that these complementary nonlinear optical techniques can be used in diagnostic imaging and photodynamic therapy.
 
at the generic level:
The student can find recent research articles on a given topic, study the specific topic in great depth for himself, and indicate the essentials and present these as course material for his fellow students.

Is included in these courses of study

• Courses for Exchange Students Faculty of Science (Leuven)
• Master in de nanowetenschappen, nanotechnologie en nano-engineering (Leuven) 120 ects.
• Master of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering (Leuven) 120 ects.
• Courses for Exchange Students Faculty of Engineering Science (Leuven)
• Master of Physics (Leuven) 120 ects.
• Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (Leuven et al) 120 ects.
• Master of Chemistry (Leuven) 120 ects.