Introduction to the Optical Engineering Major (Master's Degree)

Affiliated School: School of Physics

Discipline and Major Code: 080300

Authorization obtained in: 2005

Overview

Optical engineering stands as a cutting-edge discipline within the realm of modern optics, optoelectronics, photoelectronic information, and material science. In Hefei University of Technology, we place our focus on optoelectronic science and technology, laser technology, optics, advanced displays, imaging detection technology, and their practical applications. Our program emphasizes a well-rounded foundation, giving equal weight to both theory and hands-on experience, closely aligning with the national and societal demand for optical engineering expertise and professionals. We seamlessly merge the core principles of optical engineering with real-world applications, continually broadening our horizons and emphasizing the fusion of science and engineering.

Currently, the discipline boasts 28 master’s supervisors, consisting of 8 professors, 20 associate professors, and 8 adjunct professors. Over the years, we have taken on nearly 60 research projects, including pivotal national R&D initiatives, key projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation, significant scientific and technological research endeavors supported by the Ministry of Education, and vital R&D projects within Anhui Province. We have authored and published over 100 academic papers in esteemed journals such as Nature's sub-journals, IEEE Transactions, Nano Letters, Optics Letters, and Applied Physics Letters, leading to remarkable research achievements. Several of these accomplishments have resulted in patent authorizations, technology transfers, and licensing agreements. Graduates of our program are well-equipped to contribute to the design, manufacturing, research, and development of lasers and optoelectronic devices and systems. They play a pivotal role in providing theoretical, technical, and personnel support for the advancement of the national optoelectronic science and technology and the information optoelectronics industry.

Education Objectives

In alignment with the guiding principles of Xi Jinping's Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, our program aims to produce top-tier postgraduates in optical engineering. Our graduates will possess a strong theoretical foundation, extensive knowledge, a strong work ethic, an innovative mindset, and practical capabilities. They will be highly competitive in the field of optical engineering and well-equipped for roles in research, teaching, application development, and management within optical and optical engineering-related institutions, universities, and industrial sectors, both domestically and internationally.

Research Directions

1. Fiber Optic Devices and Systems

Fiber optic devices and systems play a pivotal role in both civilian and military applications, including their use in 5G and 6G communication networks. Fiber lasers have established themselves as a dominant technology across various applications. Additionally, fiber optic sensing, thanks to its resistance to electromagnetic interference and high precision, is supplanting other sensing methods in critical scenarios. Our research in this area primarily focuses on addressing challenges in key fiber optic devices and systems. This includes achieving high-power lasers in the 2-5 micron mid-infrared range and ultra-short pulse lasers. Our work also delves into fundamental physics, specifically nonlinear effects in fibers, to facilitate problem-solving and pave the way for innovative light sources.

2. Complex Light Fields and Micro-Nano Optics

Our research in this area centers on fundamental studies related to micro-nano structured optics, with an emphasis on developing innovative technologies for spatiotemporal control of light fields. By precisely manipulating the interactions of light with matter, we generate new light fields with multidimensional spatiotemporal structures that influence atomic, molecular, electronic, and artificial micro-nano structures. The research encompasses four key aspects: (1) Generation and control of complex spatiotemporal light fields; (2) Exploration of plasmonic strong coupling physics and sensitive optical sensing; (3) Investigation into the coupling and control of electric, magnetic, and acoustic multiphysical fields in 2D/superstructure (surface) systems; and (4) Advancements in polarized optical precision detection and imaging.

3. Photoelectric Functional Materials and Devices:

High-performance photovoltaics, photoelectric detectors, and luminescent devices are of immense significance in the realms of energy, information, and environmental monitoring. Our research direction is dedicated to advancing photoelectric functional materials and device physics. It places particular emphasis on energy materials and conversion processes, micro-nano photoelectric detection materials and devices, as well as the design and application of photoelectric metamaterials. Our work involves studying the materials, geometric structures, and device interfaces to unveil the underlying physics governing their photoelectric responses. This research is essential for constructing high-performance photovoltaic and photoelectric detection devices and systems that can be applied across the fields of energy, information, and environmental optoelectronics.