Photonics (MSc)

Photonics is a collective term for all optical technologies. These technologies form the basis of many industrial processes. Here are a few examples: Lasers are used for cutting, drilling, ablation, and welding of materials from the nanoscale to processing centimetre-thick sheets of steel for building ships. Lithography is essential for producing computer chips in the semiconductor industry. Imaging systems such as tiny cameras for smartphones, high-resolution microscopes, and giant astronomical telescopes on ground and in space are well-known photonic technologies. Novel, not so well-known applications that rely on new sources of coherent light are optical atomic clocks or ultra-precise measurement techniques such as gravitational wave astronomy. Finally, photonics is essential for future quantum technologies, such as secure quantum communication, quantum sensing, and quantum computing. These technologies have created a dynamically growing industry. Our degree programme is tailored to meet the requirements of industrial and academic research and development in all of the areas mentioned above. The four-semester Photonics programme comprises five classes for each of the first three semesters. The fourth semester is devoted to the Master's thesis. The classes cover fundamentals aspects (e.g. Theoretical Optics, Laser Physics, Wave Optics, Quantum Optics), system engineering (e.g. Optical System Design, Solid State Laser Design), and applications (e.g. Optical and Laser Measurement Techniques, Laser Materials Processing). Our Master’s programme explores photonics in its entire breadth and depth, and not just as a specialisation. You will gain comprehensive training, preparing you perfectly for the high demand for experts in industry and research. The great successes achieved by our graduates on the job market is an indication that our concept works. We offer you individual support. Class sizes in lectures, exercises and lab courses are small, meaning that questions can be answered and academic discussions can be held at all times. Due to the wide range of research projects undertaken in our labs, excellent technical equipment is available for your lab classes. Our professors have many industry contacts that often result in employment contracts for our graduates. Complete details of the course organisation are available on the course website: https://www.fh-muenster.de/en/studiengaenge/photonics-master.