Fundamentals and Applications of Optical Materials

Catalog description

This course discusses light-matter interactions, mechanisms for color generation, optical properties of various materials, and the optical materials’ biology, lighting, display, and energy related applications. Luminescence, fluorescence, the related materials and applications are discussed systematically. Research updates on surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy, super-resolution imaging and single-molecule catalysis will be introduced. Finally, applications of optical materials in biomedical, energy and lighting fields are discussed. Students also learn how to utilize materials’ optical properties to study reaction kinetics with hands on experiences. By the end of this course, students will be able to explain basic optical phenomena in materials, to understand how optical materials be used in various applications, and to relate materials’ optical properties or colors with material type, structure and physical properties.