After successful completion of the course, students are able to apply their theoretical knowledge to the design and optimization of new devices.

The relevant theoretical background for semiconductor optoelectronic devices includes kp theory, envelope function theory for heterostructures, scattering processes and optical properties, and Maxwell-Bloch theory for laser dynamics.  The students will learn skills in numerical techniques using Python, how to solve eigenvalue problems or dynamical equations, and how to connect and properly fit models to measured data.

The lecture part of this course provides an overview of the theoretical background to intuitively explain and physically describe semiconductor lasers and optoelectronic devices. In the labs, we will apply the acquired knowledge using numerical techniques to get a better insight into the principles of lasers. We will focus on one particular type of laser -- the quantum cascade laser -- and go through all relevant aspects, including wave functions in quantum wells, scattering processes, optical properties of semiconductors, laser cavities, etc. The knowledge gained is relevant to all optoelectronic devices, and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical applications is relevant in any field.

Lecture to provide the theoretical background.

Hands-on labs using Python 3.7 and Numpy to learn semiconductor laser design.

The course will be split into 6 afternoons with a 50 minute lecture followed by a short break and a 4 hour tutorial with modeling exercises.

In case of a conflict with another course, 2 of the 6 exercises can be done as homework.

Oral Exam on the theoretical basics and ongoing performance record during the exercises.

Knowledge in semiconductor physics and photonics.

Knowledge of Python 3.7 and Numpy arrays is required (e.g., VU Scientific Programming in Python or online tutorials).