The Department of Physics of the University of Crete and the Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL) of the Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH) organises a 18 month intensive Master's Degree Program in "Photonics & Nanoelectronics".
The program is a continuation of the previous very successful graduate program in "Microelectronics & Optoelectronics" which was initiated in 1998. Its purpose is to provide scientists and engineers with a solid background and research training in advanced electronic and photonic applications. The courses cover topics in quantum physics, lasers and optics, microelectronic devices, materials science and system design and analysis techniques.
Excellent research environment is available within a number of well-equipped laboratories active in the thematic areas of the program. The Microelectronics Research Group (UOC and IESL-FORTH) specializes on epitaxialy grown compound semiconductors. The Laser lab of IESL-FORTH is active in many areas of laser physics and applications and houses a Large European Research Facility on UV lasers. The Materials Group of IESL covers several research areas in advanced materials as are magnetic and superconducting materials, photonic materials, thin films, polymers and nanoscale materials. Several tens of senior researchers work in these labs and many serve as research supervisors to the students of the GPS-MO. These labs also frequently host visiting scientists from other EU countries and from around the world. The collaboration of the graduate students with these visitors has often provided very interesting job opportunities to the former, as witnessed by several success stories in the past.
Masters Program
The graduate program in "Photonics & Nanoelectronics" is a continuations of the very successful program in "Microelectronics & Optoelectronics". It is leading to a Masters degree in one of the following disciplines: 1. Matter-Radiation Interaction, 2. Epitaxial growth of semiconductor heterostructures-nanostructures, 3. Applications of Photonics in Biomedical Technology, Nanotechnology and Preservation of Cultural Heritage, 4. Magnetic materials, 5. High precision metrology, 6. Micro/nano and opto-electronics of SiC, GaAs, GaN and other semiconductors, 7. Optics (linear, wave, nonlinear and quantum), 8. Advanced optoelectronic semiconductor structures, transparent materials, quantum dot nanostructures, 9. Imaging of nanostructures, 10. Ultrafast phenomena – ultrashort pulses, 11. Physical and bio-chemical sensors, 12. Photonic/semiconductor materials/structure and Microelectronics, 13. Cold matter - degenerate gases.
The normal duration of the Masters Program is 18 months. The Program can be extended upto 36 months (max), after the acceptance of a relevant request by the graduate program committee.
The requirements for the Masters degree are a Masters thesis and successful performance in 7 cources. The courses Physics of Semiconductor Structures, Quantum Electronics I and Applied Quantum Mechanics are mandatory. Upon approval by the program’s steering committee, the student may choose upto two more cources from another graduate program of the Physics Department or similar programs of other Departments of the University of Crete
Graduate Courses
The following courses are typically offered during each academic year:
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Fall Semester
- Applied Quantum Mechanics (Φ-703, 6 ECTS)
- Quantum Electronics I (Φ-665, 6 ECTS)
- Teaching Experimental Physics I (Φ-965, 3 ECTS)
- Special Topics of Photonics (Φ-963, 5 ECTS)
- Foundations of modern optics (5 ECTS)
- Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (Φ-800, 5 ECTS)
- Semiconductor Optoelectronic Devices (Φ-675, 5 ECTS) -
Spring Semester
- Physics of Semiconductor Structures (Φ-572, 6 ECTS)
- High power narrow pulse lasers (Φ-563, 5 ECTS)
- Teaching Experimental Physics II (Φ-966, 3 ECTS)
- Physics of 2D Semiconductor Devices (Φ-575, 5 ECTS)
- Special topics on photonics (Φ-963, 5 ECTS)
Admission
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Prerequisites for admission: Bachelor's degree in Physics or equivalent BSc training. Applicants are strongly recommended to have a background of at least 6 semesters of mathematics for physicists, 4 semesters of general physics, 1 of classical mechanics, 2 of electromagnetism, 1 of thermodynamics, 1 of statistical mechanics, 2 of quantum mechanics, basic knowledge in condensed matter, atomic physics as well as basic training in numerical physics. Hands on experience in experimental physics in educational or research laboratories is desired.
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Applications should be accompanied by a Curriculum Vitae, academic records and 2 letters of recommendation. Before acceptance, the Graduate Program Commitee may request an interview with the applicant.
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The deadline of applications to the Masters Program for the academic year 2024-2025 is July 15th 2025.
All correspondence should be sent to: Ms. M. Matalliotaki
Financial Support
For information regarding the possibility of financial support please contact the Graduate Program Secretary.
PhD Studies at the Department of Physics
The Department of Physics of the University of Crete offers the possibility of studies towards a Ph.D. degree in nearly all areas of modern physics.
In order to be considered for admission to the PhD program the following two requirements need me met:
- A Bachelors degree (BSc) in Physics or a related science field
- A Masters degree (MSc) in Physics or a related science field
The requirement of a Masters degree can be waived for candidates with an exceptional undergraduate record. If the Bachelors and/or Masters degrees were obtained from a University outside Greece they need to be approved by the Greek national academic recognition center D.O.A.T.A.P.. In this case the formal date of commencement of the studies is the date of approval of the degrees by the DOATAP. The degree's recognition is a lengthy process (and it may require fees to be paid). Students who are interested in applying for enrollment for PhD studies in the Physics Department must contact DOATAP asap.
You may wish to check whether the University awarded your degree is already in the list of "recognized" Institutions. You can view this list at: "http://62.103.84.30/2.php". You can choose the country from the list on the top of the page, and then press submit. If your Institution is included in this list, please contact pgrad@physics.uoc.gr.
All applicants should provide to the Graduate Secretary Ms. M. Matalliotaki the following material:
- A CV as well as transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate courses
- A statement in which the candidate briefly describe his/her research interests as well as the reasons to do a PhD in Physics in Crete
- At least two (2) letters of recommendation from members of the academic community which evaluate the candidate
- Scores of GRE Physics and TOEFL if available
Applications are accepted throughout the year, but it is recommended to submit them before the 1st of July for PhD studies which will commence the following academy year. However, individuals who are interested for a PhD in High Energy Physics and would like to obtain funding from the Center of Theoretical Physics should consider the different additional deadlines. The Graduate Studies Committee reserves the right to request further information and/or an interview from the candidates.
Candidates who are admitted to the PhD program have immediate access to the infrastructure of the Department. There is the possibility of graduate fellowships to select candidates. Within a reasonable time period all individuals admitted should be informed about the research possibilities of the Department and should select their research area as well as PhD thesis supervisor. The formal date of commencement of the PhD studies of a candidate is the date his/her three member supervising thesis committee is established. The minimum duration of the studies is three (3) years. The PhD degree is awarded after a successful completion of the PhD dissertation, part of which must be published in an international refereed journal.
Contact
Applications to the graduate program of Photonics & Nanoelectronics of the Department of Physics are accepted throughout the year. For more information please contact the Graduate Program Secretary or a member of the Graduate Program Committee.
Graduate Program Secretary: Ms. M. Matalliotaki
Members of the Graduate Program Committee: Prof. A. Georgakilas & Prof. P. Rakitzis
