This course focuses on photonic integrated circuits (PICs) - an emerging technology where photonic chips (consisting of waveguides, lasers, detectors, modulators and more) are manufactured using integrated circuit technology and closely integrated with microelectronics. The circuits are finding applications in high performance communication, computing and sensing systems. The technology is rapidly growing in complexity and demand, and as the advantages of using photons are realized and the manufacturing hurdles are overcome, photonic circuits will become ubiquitous in future microsystems. Course topics include, fundamental concepts (waveguides, interference, light-matter interaction), PIC component modeling, schematic and layout driven design, PIC fabrication techniques, and PIC testing to round out the students understanding of integrated photonics.

This course introduces nonlinear concepts applied to the field of optics. Students learn how materials respond to high intensity electric fields and how the materials response: enables the generation of other frequencies, can focus light to the point of breakdown or create waves that do not disperse in time or space (solitons), and how atoms can be cooled to absolute zero using a laser. Students will be exposed to many applications of nonlinear concepts and to some current research subjects, especially at the nanoscale. Students will also observe several nonlinear-optical experiments in a state-of-the-art photonics laboratory.

This course emphasizes collaboration in modern research environment and consists of five modules. Students will introduced to the concepts of inter-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary research conducted from both a scientific and an engineering perspective. Students will learn how to write a dissertation proposal, statement of work, timeline for their program of study and the elements of an effective literature review. Students will develop skills related to reviewing and annotating technical papers, conducting a literature search and proper citation. Students will demonstrate an understanding of (a) ethics as it relates to the responsible conduct of research, (b) ethical responsibility in the context of the engineering professions, (c) ethics as it relates to authorship and plagiarism, (d) basic criteria for ethical decision making and (e) identify professional standards and code of ethics relevant to their discipline. Students demonstrate an ability to identify and explain the potential benefits of their research discoveries to a range of stakeholders, including policy makers and the general public.

This course introduces nonlinear concepts applied to the field of optics. Students learn how materials respond to high intensity electric fields and how the materials response: enables the generation of other frequencies, can focus light to the point of breakdown or create waves that do not disperse in time or space solitons, and how atoms can be cooled to absolute zero using a(laser. Students will be exposed to many applications of nonlinear concepts and to some current research subjects, especially at the nanoscale. Students will also observe several nonlinear-optical experiments in a state-of-the-art photonics laboratory.

This course will give students comprehensive understanding of the foundations of quantum mechanics. The course will also provide practical solution techniques which can be applied to a variety of nanoscale problems. Topics include: Waves and Schrodinger's equation; Time-dependent Schrodinger equation; Operator approach to quantum mechanics; Dirac Notation; Solution approaches and approximation methods; Time-dependent perturbation theory with applications to absorption and Fermi's golden rule; Angular momentum and the Hydrogen Atom; If time allows: Spin; Identical Particles.

This course focuses on photonic integrated circuits (PICs) - an emerging technology where photonic chips (consisting of waveguides, lasers, detectors, modulators and more) are manufactured using integrated circuit technology and closely integrated with microelectronics. The circuits are finding applications in high performance communication, computing and sensing systems. The technology is rapidly growing in complexity and demand, and as the advantages of using photons are realized and the manufacturing hurdles are overcome, photonic circuits will become ubiquitous in future microsystems. Course topics include, fundamental concepts (waveguides, interference, light-matter interaction), PIC component modeling, schematic and layout driven design, PIC fabrication techniques, and PIC testing to round out the students understanding of integrated photonics.

This course allows graduate students an opportunity to independently investigate, under faculty supervision, topics related to microsystems engineering. Proposals for independent study activities and assessment are subject to approval by both the supervising faculty member and the department head.

Internship is designed to enhance the educational experience of PhD students through full-time employment.

Research in an appropriate topic as arranged by doctoral candidate and dissertation adviser in fulfillment of the dissertation requirement.

Doctoral-level research by the candidate on an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the research advisor. Students may count a maximum of 9 credits towards degree requirements. If the student enrolls cumulatively in more than 9 credits, the additional credits above 9 will not be counted towards the degree.

This course is a capstone project using research facilities available inside or outside of RIT.