EdX

Optical Materials and Devices (edX)

Offered by MIT, MITx,
Optical Materials and Devices (edX)

Learn about the optical properties of materials, including how LEDs, lasers, and solar cell devices are designed. In this engineering course, you will learn about photodetectors, solar cells (photovoltaics), displays, light emitting diodes, lasers, optical fibers, optical communications, and photonic devices.

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This course is part of a three-part series, which explains the basis of the electrical, optical, and magnetic properties of materials including semiconductors, metals, organics, and insulators. We will show how devices are built to take advantage of these properties. This is illustrated with a wide range of devices, placing a strong emphasis on new and emerging technologies.
Part 1 - Electronic Materials and Devices
Part 3 - Magnetic Materials and Devices
What you'll learn:

  • The fundamental operating principles of photodevices
  • LED and heterojunction laser materials selection and design
  • Fundamentals of organic electronics and liquid crystal displays
  • An overview of photonic systems
  • Optical fibers: dispersion, losses, and design choices
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