Description: In this PhD course, we study topics related to the nonlinear response of atoms and nanoscale objects. In the first half, focus is on (low-dimensional) hydrogen perturbed by external static and dynamic electric fields. We compute hyperpolarizabilities using both analytical techniques and sum over states techniques. In addition, we study the electro-optic response of low-dimensional semiconductors.

In the second half, focus is on enhancement of local optical fields of relevance for nonlinear processes. We investigate the rate of spontaneous emission is inhomogeneous geometries. In particular, emitters in front of graphene-based hyperbolic metamaterials are studied. Also, calculations of decay rates and field enhancement are implemented for emitters close to metallic nanospheres.

The contents are listed below. Course material includes “Electric, Optical and magnetic Properties of Nanostructures” 2015 version (found on TGP’s homepage). Chapters 1, 2, and 17 are background material.

1. 5/1 Stark effect in (low-dimensional) hydrogen
2. 6/1 Static hyperpolarizabilities
3. 7/1 Nonlinear response theory (Ch. 31)
4. 8/1 Dynamic hyperpolarizabilities
5. 9/1 Electro-optics (Ch. 21)
6. 12/1 Spontaneous emission. Purcell factor (Ch. 30)
7. 13/1 Optical and plasmonic properties of graphene. Hyperbolic metamaterials
8. 14/1 Purcell factor of graphene hyperbolic metamaterials
9. 15/1 Field enhancement. Green’s function for nanospheres.
10. 16/1 Radiative properties of emitter close to nanosphere.

Prerequisites: Basic knowledge in optics and quantum physics.

Organizer: Thomas G. Pedersen

Lecturers: Thomas G. Pedersen and Thomas Søndergaard

ECTS: 4

Time: 5-9 and 12-16 January 2015, Each day from 9.00 – 12.00 and 13.00 to 15.30

Place: Aalborg University, Skjernvej 4, 9220 Aalborg East

Zip Code: 9220

City: Aalborg

Max number of participants

Deadline: 5 January, 2015