Course content

The main content of the course is the propagation of light waves in periodic structures, using Maxwell's equations for electromagnetic waves in dielectric materials. Structures that are periodic in one dimension are multilayer films and planar diffraction gratings. Structures that are periodic in two dimensions are patterned thin films and optical fibers with holes. Structures that are periodic in three dimensions are structures with optical band gaps.

Learning outcome

After complementing the course, you should have a fundamental understanding of: 

  • electromagnetic waves in periodic structures
  • the application of periodic structures in optcal micro and nano structures, and in photonics in general
  • optical Bloch waves in one, two, and three dimensions, Brillouin zones, band diagrams.
  • evanescent waves
  • defects in periodic structures

Admission to the course

Students admitted at UiO must apply for courses in Studentweb. Students enrolled in other Master's Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.

Nordic citizens and applicants residing in the Nordic countries may apply to take this course as a single course student.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

The course is intended for Master students with a Bachelor degree in electronics and datatechnics, physics, meteorology, materials, energy and nanotechnology. Relevant courses are FYS1120 - Electromagnetism, FYS2130 -Waves and oscillations and MENA3000.

Overlapping courses

Teaching

The course has three hours of lecturers each week throughout the semester. 

Examination

There will be held an oral exam in the end of the semester, which counts for 100% in the grade assessment. In case of many students, the exam may be written instead. 

It will also be counted as one of the three attempts to sit the exam for this course, if you sit the exam for one of the following courses: TEK9400 – Nanophotonics (discontinued), UNIK4380 – Photonic crystals (continued), UNIK9381.

Examination support material

No examination support material is allowed.

Language of examination

Subjects taught in English will only offer the exam paper in English. You may write your examination paper in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

Resit an examination

Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed examination at the beginning of the next semester.

Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass the original examination.

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 14, 2026 7:14:32 AM

Facts about this course

Level
Master
Credits
10
Teaching
Autumn

The course is last held autumn 2020

Examination
Autumn .

Examination is last held autumn 2022

Contact

Department of Technology Systems