Materials for Light-Energy Conversion

3 EC

Semester 2, period 4

5354MFLE3Y

Owner Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree)
Coordinator dr. C. Ramanan
Part of Master Physics and Astronomy, track Advanced Matter and Energy Physics, Master Physics and Astronomy, track Science for Energy and Sustainability, Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree), track General Physics and Astronomy,

Course manual 2025/2026

Objectives

  • Students understand how fundamental properties of light-matter interaction, such as light absorption and scattering, emerge from Maxwell’s equations.
  • Students can relate macroscopic light attenuation through a material (Lambert’s law) with nanoscale and molecular processes such as light absorption and scattering by nanoparticles and excitonic semiconductors.
  • Students can apply their fundamental understanding of the electronic and optical properties of light-energy conversion materials to critically evaluate recent scientific literature on current and emerging topics in the field.
  • Students can analyze light-energy conversion mechanisms for various end-use applications, including optoelectronics, photocatalysis, and optical sensing.

Teaching methods

  • Lecture
  • Presentation/symposium
  • Self-study

Learning activities

Activity

Hours

Hoorcollege

12.25

Tentamen

4.5

Werkcollege

12.25

Self study

55

Total

84

(3 EC x 28 uur)

Attendance

  • Some course components require compulsory attendance. If compulsory attendance applies, this will be indicated in the Course Catalogue which can be consulted via the UvA-website. The rationale for and implementation of this compulsory attendance may vary per course and, if applicable, is included in the Course Manual.

    • Additional requirements for this course:

    Attendance is not tracked, but it is expected. The in-class activities involve significant discussion and depend on everyone's engagement. Furthermore, completion of some of the in-class activities will be contribute to 10% of your assessment

    Assessment

    Item and weight Details

    Final grade

    0.4 (100%)

    Tentamen

    0.4 (40%)

    Tentamen

    		 Must be ≥ 5.5

    0.2 (20%)

    Perusall engagement

    		 Must be ≥ 5.5

    0.3 (30%)

    Literature study presentation

    		 Must be ≥ 5.5

    0.1 (10%)

    WC exercises

    Must be ≥ 5.5 

    In case of score below 5.5 on original exam:

     

    0.4 (40%) 

    Heertentamen

    Must be ≥ 5.5 , max grade 6.5

    Inspection of assessed work

    In person during dedicated consulting hours.

    Assignments

    Weekly exercises during WC, which may sometime be done in a group, but each student must turn in their own version. The assignments are graded on completion, not correctness. Completion means evidence of a clear attempt on all parts of the assignment. 

    Literature presentation of a recently published research article, to be done individually. You will present this in a small symposium at the end of the course. You will be graded on your presentation as well as your participation in the discussion of other presentations. Rubric is posted on Canvas.

    Perusall reading assignments and annotations, which should be done individually.

    Fraud and plagiarism

    The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

    Course structure

    Weeknummer Onderwerpen
    1 Light Absorption/Scattering
    2 Photophysical transitions in Excitonic Semiconductors
    3 Excitation Energy Transfer
    4 Charge Transfer States and Photoinduced Charge Separation
    5 Applications
    6 Presentations
    7 Guest Lecture, optional exam review
    8 Exam

    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • dr. C. Ramanan