Integrated Nonlinear Photonics

ECTS credits:
3 ECTS

Course parameters:

• Language: English
• Level of course: PhD course
• Time of year: 5–9 October 2026, Week 41
• No. of contact hours/hours in total incl. preparation, assignment(s) or the like: 30 contact hours; 90 hours in total, including preparation, simulation exercises, independent study and completion of the final design study.
• Capacity limits: 30 participants
• Course fee: Free of charge for all participants.

Objectives of the course:
This course provides PhD students and early-career researchers in photonics, optics, physics, electrical engineering, quantum technologies, and related disciplines with a theoretical and practical understanding of nonlinear optical processes in integrated photonic devices.

The course connects the fundamental physics of second- and third-order nonlinear interactions with the modelling, simulation and design of realistic integrated photonic structures. Particular emphasis is placed on translating nonlinear optical theory into practical device-design choices.

Through lectures, simulation exercises and an individual design study, participants will develop the skills required to analyze nonlinear interactions, optimize integrated photonic devices, and design integrated photonic structures for applications in areas such as wavelength conversion, telecommunications, spectroscopy and quantum photonics.

Learning outcomes and competences:
At the end of the course, the student should be able to:

1. derive and interpret the principal equations governing second- and third-order nonlinear optical interactions;
2. explain the physical principles of phase matching, modal overlap and nonlinear coupling in integrated photonic devices;
3. analyze second-harmonic generation, sum- and difference-frequency generation, Kerr nonlinearities and four-wave mixing;
4. describe the formation and propagation of nonlinear optical pulses, including soliton dynamics;
5. model guided-wave structures and evaluate their suitability for nonlinear optical interactions;
6. identify the principal material, geometrical and dispersion properties that determine nonlinear conversion efficiency;
7. design and optimize an integrated nonlinear photonic device for a selected application;
8. critically interpret simulation results and communicate the underlying assumptions, methodology and conclusions.

Compulsory program:
Participants must:

1. participate actively in the lectures and simulation exercises;
2. complete the prescribed simulation and design activities;
3. submit an individual five-page design study.

Completion of these compulsory elements is required for the participant’s performance to be assessed.

Course contents:
The course covers the theory, simulation and design of integrated nonlinear photonic devices based on second- and third-order nonlinear optical effects.

Topics include:

1. introduction to nonlinear optical polarization and nonlinear susceptibilities;
2. nonlinear wave equations and coupled-mode descriptions;
3. second-order nonlinear processes;
4. second-harmonic generation;
5. sum- and difference-frequency generation;
6. phase matching and quasi-phase matching;
7. modal overlap and nonlinear coupling in guided-wave structures;
8. third-order nonlinear processes;
9. self-phase and cross-phase modulation;
10. Kerr nonlinearities and four-wave mixing;
11. dispersion and nonlinear pulse propagation;
12. optical solitons;
13. simulation, analysis and optimization of integrated nonlinear photonic devices;
14. applications in telecommunications, spectroscopy and quantum photonics.

The teaching combines theoretical lectures with interactive exercises and guided simulations of realistic integrated photonic structures. Participants subsequently apply the course concepts in an individual device-design study.

Prerequisites:
Participants should have a basic understanding of electromagnetism, optics and photonics at the level of a relevant MSc degree.

Prior knowledge of integrated photonics or nonlinear optics is advantageous but not required. Basic familiarity with numerical modelling or scientific programming is recommended.

Name of lecturers:
Prof. Nick Volet, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Aarhus University
Prof. Christophe Galland, Laboratory of Quantum and Nano-Optics, Institute of Physics, EPFL

Type of course/teaching methods:
Intensive one-week course combining:

• lectures;
• interactive theoretical exercises;
• guided simulation exercises;
• independent study;
• an individual design project.

The course is delivered in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and online participation.

Literature:
Lecture slides and instructor-prepared theoretical booklets will be provided to participants.

The lectures and exercises are structured around the presentation slides. The booklets provide supporting derivations, background theory and material for preparation and independent study. Relevant scientific papers will be recommended throughout the course.

Additional software documentation and selected supporting material will be provided where relevant.

Course homepage:
https://ece.au.dk/en/integrated-photonics/teaching/integrated-nonlinear-photonics

Course assessment:
Assessment is based on an individual five-page design study in which the participant applies the theoretical and simulation methods introduced during the course to an integrated nonlinear photonic device of their choice.

The design study is assessed on a pass/fail basis.

To pass, the report must demonstrate:

1. an appropriate understanding of the relevant nonlinear optical processes;
2. a technically sound modelling or design methodology;
3. appropriate selection and justification of device and material parameters;
4. reasoned interpretation of the results;
5. clear presentation of the principal assumptions, methodology and conclusions.

Provider:
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Aarhus University

Special comments on this course:
The course is offered in a hybrid format. Participants may attend either in person or online. Participants are expected to have access to a computer suitable for the simulation exercises. Further instructions concerning online participation and software access will be provided before the course.

Time:
5–9 October 2026
The detailed daily schedule will be made available on the course homepage.

Place:
EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland, and online.
Details concerning the physical teaching room and online access will be provided to registered participants.

Course fee:
Free of charge for all participants. Participants attending in person are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and meals.

Registration:
Deadline for registration is 18 September 2026. Information regarding admission will be sent out no later than 22 September 2026.
To register, please send an email to Nick Volet at volet@ece.au.dk, stating:

• your full name;
• university and department;
• PhD program or academic position;
• whether you wish to participate in person or online.

Registration is confirmed by the course organizer.
If you have any questions, please contact Nick Volet, email: volet@ece.au.dk.