StudyQA — Master: Physics for Optics and Nanosciences

Description Contents Requirements Funding

The M1 program "Physics for Optics and Nanosciences" aims at providing students with a fundamental understanding of the concepts and methodes in Optics and Nanosciences. It is a two-year program fully taught in english, comprised of a first M1 year and then followed by the M2 "Nanosciences" or "Laser, Optique, Matière" (or any other similar M2).

Courses in this M1 program are common with Ecole polytechnique, l'IOGS, l'ENS-Cachan and University Paris XI about laser physics, condensed matter, atomic and molecular physics, statistical physics and electrodynamics. Several specialization courses are also proposed.Experimental labworks are also orgnaized. The M1 cursus also comprises a 16-week scientific internship in an academic or industrial research laboratory in the Paris-Saclay campus.

SEMESTER 1

2 elective courses must be chosen in the first period (Sept. – Dec.) and 2 elective courses must be chosen in the second period (Jan. – Apr.) for a minimum of 12 ECTS.

Courses	Professor in charge	ECTS	Course location(*)
Quantum optics : Lasers	A. Aspect	4	X
Quantum physics of electrons in solids	A. Georges	4	X
Atomic and molecular physics	N. Kebaïli	4	X
Labworks	L. Jacubowiez	3	IOGS
French language (2 semesters)		3	X

Sub-Total		18
4 Elective courses		12
Total		30

Electiv courses 1st period (Sept. – Dec.)
Introduction to biophysics	B. Sclavi	3	ENSC
Introduction to nanophotonics	E. Deleporte	5	ENSC
Introduction to microfluidics	O. Français	3	ENSC
Nonlinear optics	N. Dubreuil	3	IOGS
Materials design	T. Gacoin	4	X
Lasers, Optics, Plasmas	V. Malka	4	X

Elective courses 2nd period (Jan. – Apr.)
Guided and coupled waves	S. Lebrun/N. Dubreuil	3	IOGS
Nanomaterials and electronic applications	R. Ossikovski	4	X
Functional thin films and active surfaces	T. Gacoin	4	X

SEMESTER 2

Courses	Professor in charge	ECTS	Course location(*)
Statistical physics	J.J. Greffet	3	IOGS
Semiconductor physics	E. Deleporte	3	IOGS
Experimental project	S. Bastiani	4	X

Sub-Total		10
Project in research Laboratory	F. Hache	20

Total		30

(*) X stands for "Ecole Polytechnique", IOGS for "Institut d'Optique – graduate school", ENSC for "Ecole Normale Supérieure de Cachan". X and IOGS are located in the same campus. ENSC (about 20 km north) can be easily reached with public transportation (RER B).

Research project

Students are expected to work on a research project for at least 12 weeks, in a laboratory of the site (Ecole Polytechnique, Institut d'Optique – Graduate School, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Cachan, Université Paris 11). Students are expected to write a report and to perform an oral defense. The evaluation of the project will take into account the report, the defense as well as the evaluation of the project supervisor.

Validation of the M1

Examinations are performed at the end of each course. Literal marks are given: A (excellent), B (very good), C (good), D (poor), E (fail). A course and its corresponding ECTS are directly awarded by the jury when the mark is higher or equal to C. In case of failure, a second examination is organized.

A scientific course and its corresponding ECTS is also awarded by the jury if the mark is D through compensation by an A or a B in another scientific course. A mark E in a course can be disqualifying for the program ; compensation by an A can be discussed by the jury.

A semester is validated when 30 ECTS have been obtained. The M1 is validated as a consequence of the validation of the two semesters.

Applicants must hold a BSc degree or equivalent. They must also have a good level in spoken and written english in order to be able to follow the courses. Possession of official certificate (TOEFL, ...) is encouraged.

This Master program is very selective since students will have courses in common with the highest-ranked "Grandes Ecoles" in France. Solid bases in quantum mechanics, statistical physics and physical mathematics is mandatory.