Microcredentials

Study of active photonic devices (optical sources, modulators and detectors) from the point of view of microwave photonics and its applications. Introduction to the main applications of microwave photonics: microwave signal distribution, RF signal generation, beamforming for antenna arrays and microwave signal processing

This course covers the fundamental principles and advanced applications of optical communications, including both fiber-guided and free-space (FSO) modalities. Topics span advanced coherent transceivers with DSP, next-generation optical networks, and the design and evaluation of optical systems. Students will develop practical skills through projects and laboratory activities, enabling them to effectively design real optical systems

This course addresses the design of integrated optical antennas and antenna arrays (OPA) for applications of practical interest, such as fiber-chip coupling, remote sensing (LIDAR) or wireless optical communications systems. In particular, the fundamentals of dielectric optical antennas based on periodic structures (grating couplers) will be studied, as well as their grouping in 1D and 2D configurations to form antenna arrays with electronic beam-steering capability

Basic principles governing integrated photonic biosensors are reviewed. Dielectric waveguides are analyzed focusing in evanescent field interaction with sensor surface. Interrogation architectures for these sensors are proposed and designed. Some of the surface functionalization strategies to be attached the bioreceptors to the sensor surface are presented and kinetic models of molecular recognition are studied

In this course, the analysis of the principles and fundamental applications of integrated photonics for quantum technologies is addressed, including secure communications and quantum computing. Key technologies and devices for on-chip quantum control and processing are studied: single-photon and photon-pair sources, structures for the manipulation of quantum states, and single-photon detectors

Analysis of the fundamental principles of geometrical optics, lens systems, and gradual-index media, along with techniques such as Fourier optics and diffraction analysis. It includes the examination of Gaussian beams and their propagation through lens-based optical systems

Study of the basic principles governing the propagation of electromagnetic waves at optical frequencies, solving Maxwell’s equations but also using the geometric optics approach. Different types of waveguides and platforms used in integrated photonics are described, as well as the main sources of losses (substrate leakage, roughness, curved waveguides), and basic devices (discontinuities, transitions, waveguides and waveguide crossings)

Analysis of the characterization systems for non-pigtailed silicon photonic chips. Introduction to the most common techniques for integrated circuits packaging, including optical and electrical interfaces and their main challenges

Analysis and design of the main passive building blocks used in integrated photonic circuits: directional couplers, multimode interference (MMI) devices, resonant rings, Mach-Zehnder interferometers, as well as the devices that make use of them, such as filters, multiplexers, power dividers

Photonic devices based on periodic dielectric structures are studied, with a focus on their behavior as metamaterials and Bragg reflectors. The course includes the analysis of key metrics, the development of design techniques, the revision of the state-of-the-art and the implementation of devices