Introduction to Photonics

Instructor Introduction

• Instructor: Balaji Srinivasan
• Focus of the lecture: Overview of the course and the significance of photonics

Why Photonics?

• Photonics is a key driver for the 21st century
• Supported by over 20 Nobel prizes awarded for photonics-related research since 2000

Applications of Photonics

• Everyday Use:

  • Optical communication
  • Lighting
  • Cameras in mobile phones
  • Solar energy collection

• Modern Applications:

  • Autonomous driving
  • Virtual and augmented reality
  • Structural health monitoring
  • Brain imaging
  • Gesture recognition (human-machine interaction)

Understanding Photonics

• Definition:
  • Similar to electronics but focuses on photons, the quantized form of light
  • Involves:
    • Generating photons
    • Manipulating photons
    • Detecting photons

Course Structure

• Comprises three modules that cover:
  • Generation of photons
  • Manipulation of photons
  • Detection of photons

Intended Audience

• Targeted at students with a high school background in optics
• Prepares students for advanced courses such as:
  • Fiber-optic communication
  • Integrated optics
  • Bio photonics
• Course serves as a bridge between high school knowledge and advanced topics

Conclusion

• Encouragement to join the course for an exciting journey in understanding light and its unlimited potential
• Additional questions can be directed to the course website.