Photonics and Quantum Technologies Profile for Y

SPDC

Goal

This is an interdisciplinary profile that provides the fundamental knowledge and tools to dive into the new technological world of photonics and quantum technologies. This is a highly interdisciplinary profile which covers aspects from Electrical Engineering, Physics, Material Science and Computer Science. Upon graduation, the student will have a broad set of skills that can be applied in many other areas as well.

Overview

This is a highly dynamic and interdisciplinary profile where innovation meets cutting-edge science and which is designed for those eager to explore the fascinating realms of quantum mechanics and modern optics. The profile is unique in the sense that it covers in equal parts two major departments comprising the Y program, ISY and IFM. With a course plan that blends theory and hands-on experience, students will engage in courses that covers several aspects of this exciting field. You will also have the opportunity to participate in thesis projects that bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world applications.

Following the development of quantum theory in the beginning of the 20th century, many inventions were possible such as the transistor and the laser that have revolutionised the world. More recently, since the late 1980’s, new proposals were made to perform information processing tasks using individual quantum systems. Nowadays with many technological advances, specially in the field of photonics, we are able to use these individual systems in a controlled way that allows practical applications. This is now called the Quantum 2.0 revolution, and many new applications are being demonstrated taking advantage of processing with individual quantum systems such as more efficient computing, ultra-secure communications and improved sensors.

The profile also stands out by offering a broad approach that covers two main themes you are free to choose from, or to mix courses depending on your interests. This approach equips you with a versatile skill set that is highly sought after in today’s technology-driven job market. Whether you aim to advance your career in industry, academia or start your own venture, the offered courses foster intellectual growth.

Profile course plan

	Block 1	Block 2	Block 3	Block 4
Termin 7HT1	TFFM08 Experimentell fysik 3+3hp	TFFY54 Kvantmekanik 6hp		TFYA97 Modern optik 6hp
Termin 7HT2	TSIN02 Internetteknik 6hp		TFFM08 Experimentell fysik 3+3hp
Termin 8VT1	TSIT12 Kvantelektronik och kvantoptik 3+3hp		TFYA38 Optoelektronik 6hp	TFYB03 Avancerad kvantmekanik 6hp
Termin 8VT2	TSIT12 Kvantelektronik och kvantoptik 3+3hp		TSIT11 Kvantalgoritmer och kvantinformation 6hp
Termin 9HT1	TSIT13 Kvantkommunikation 6hp	TSIT03 Kryptoteknik 6hp	TFYM03 Nanofysik 6hp	TFYA99 Projektkurs i teknisk fysik, CDIO 6+6hp
Termin 9HT1	TBMT57 Biomedicinsk optik 6hp	TSIT03 Kryptoteknik 6hp	TFYM03 Nanofysik 6hp	TFYA99 Projektkurs i teknisk fysik, CDIO 6+6hp
Termin 9HT2		TSIT02 Datasäkerhet 6hp		TFYA99 Projektkurs i teknisk fysik, CDIO 6+6hp
Termin 10VT	Examensarbete

The plan consists of five mandatory courses, which cover the fundamentals of quantum mechanics and photonics, as well as more advanted topics as quantum optics.

Description of mandatory courses

TFYA97 Modern Optik covers advanced topics in photonics such as transformation optics and meta-materials, imaging and non-linear optics.
TFFY54 Kvantmekanik provides a solid theoretical background providing a strong foundation for the profile.
TSIT12 Kvantelektronik och kvantoptik focuses on the hardware employed for quantum technologies, including quantum computing, sensing and communication.
TFYA38 Optoelektronik covers the fundamentals and systems to generate and detect light.
TFYA99 Projektkurs i teknisk fysik, CDIO. The profile requires this project course in applied physics.

Elective courses

The elective courses are categorized within two main themes, Photonics and Quantum Information, depending on the interests of the student. The courses within each theme are as follows:

Theme: Photonics

This theme concentrates on the science of Photonics and associated technologies.

TFYB01 Avancerad elektromagnetism focuses on strengthening the student’s background concerning electromagnetic radiation
TFYM03 Nanofysik expands solid state physics to include nanostructures and optical interactions.
TBMT57 Biomedicinsk optik covers the interactions of light with biological tissue.
TFFM08 Experimentell fysik and TFYA17 Projektlaborationer i fysik strengthen experimental techniques.

Theme: Quantum Information

The second theme focuses on quantum information and its applications.

TFYB03 Avancerad kvantmekanik further strengthes the theoretical foundations of quantum mechanics.
TSIT11 Kvantalgoritmer och kvantinformation covers the fundamentals of quantum information theory and quantum algorithms used in quantum computing.
TSIT13 Kvantkommunikation focuses on the topic of information security using quantum technologies.
TSIT02 Datasäkerhet and TSIT03 Kryptoteknik give a solid background to information security strengthening the quantum information theme.

Finally the course TSIN02 Internetteknik fits in both themes, as it discusses extensively fiber optical communications, which is a key area of both photonics and quantum technologies.

Job market

There are many well established companies investing heavily in this new area such as Microsoft, Google and Ericsson, with many new start-ups all over Europe and Sweden that are in need of well qualified engineers in the field. Former students that have taken the profile are working in companies such as Coherent, Saab, Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech and Microtec.

Contact

Profile responsible: Guilherme B Xavier