Introduction
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In view of great advances in electro-optical technologies in the past decades, National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) established the Institute of Electro-Optical (E-O) Science and Engineering (EOSE) M.S. program in 2002, followed by the Ph.D. program in 2004. The Department of Electro-Optical Engineering was established in 2007. In 2011, the Department of Electro-Optical Engineering and the Institute of Electro-Optical Science and Engineering merged to become the Department of Photonics (DPs). The Department integrates photonics resources and faculties within NCKU to provide research and intellectual resources to address problems facing the photonics industries in Taiwan, especially in the Tainan Science-based Industrial Park. Graduates of our department will be awarded Bachelor of Engineering (BS Degree), Master of Engineering (MS Degree), and Doctor of Engineering degrees (Ph.D. Degree).

The current chair of the Department of Photonics is: Prof. Wei-Chih Lai (August 2021~)

* Previous Chairs of the Department of Photonics:
1. Prof. Wen-Feng Hsieh (August 2011 - September 2011)
2. Prof. Andy Ying-Guey Fuh (October 2011 - July 2012)
3. Prof. Tzung-Fang Guo (August 2012 - July 2018)
4. Prof. Hsin-Ying Lee (August 2018 - July 2021)
5. Prof. Wei-Chih Lai (August 2021 - Present)

* Previous Directors of the Institute of Electro-Optical Science and Engineering:
1. Prof. Andy Ying-Guey Fuh (August 2002 - January 2009)
2. Prof. Wen-Feng Hsieh (February 2009 - July 2011)

* Previous Chairs of the Department of Electro-Optical Engineering:
1. Prof. Mau-Phon Houng (August 2007 - July 2008)
2. Prof. Ching-Ting Lee (August 2008 - January 2009)
3. Prof. Wen-Feng Hsieh (February 2009 - July 2011)

Location
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  Department location  * We are located in CK19 (Multifunctional Building, Cheng-Kung Campus)

  Campus map

Mission
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The mission of the Department of Photonics (DPS) at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) is to nurture forward-thinking photonics professionals with innovative capabilities. We provide a robust foundational education and offer a diverse, interdisciplinary curriculum that ensures graduates acquire a profound theoretical understanding and a strong technical background. Our graduates excel in cutting-edge academic research and industrial technology development, adapting to the rapidly evolving semiconductor, electronics, photonics, information, and communication industries.

Our teaching and research encompass both fundamental and advanced photonics technologies, covering nanophotonics, optoelectronic semiconductor physics and devices, electronic and photonic components, advanced lithography technology and nanofabrication, lasers, integrated optics, biomedical photonics, solar photonics, optical design, electro-optics signal processing, optical fiber communication systems, and flat panel displays. Additionally, we actively expand our courses and research into emerging technologies such as metasurfaces, silicon photonics, quantum light sources, and artificial intelligence, ensuring that students grasp the latest technological trends. Notably, we offer comprehensive photonic semiconductor courses and conduct process technology research, providing students with a complete training system from fundamental theory to practical application, fostering professional skills and innovative thinking in the semiconductor field.

Our department distinguishes itself through integrated collaboration across upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors, effectively balancing industrial applications with academic foresight. NCKU has established robust research foundations in optical design, electro-optic signal processing, lasers, photonic materials and devices, optical fiber communication systems, silicon photonics, artificial intelligence, metasurfaces, and optical storage. Through close cooperation and integration with related departments and research centers within and outside the university, our department is uniquely positioned to achieve exceptional goals and advance towards world-class standards.

Future
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Our research is categorized into four tracks. The key areas of research and curriculum are as follows:

1. Photonics Science:
The theories and applications of laser, Numerical methods, Optical properties of materials, Guided wave optics, Optical system design, Deep learning in photonics, An introduction to silicon integrated photonics, etc.

2. Information and Display Photonics:
Electric circuits, Display optics, Liquid crystal photonics and applications, Fourier optics, Signals and systems, Principles of communications, 3D display technology, etc.

3. Nano and Green Photonics:
Materials science and engineering, Semiconductor device fabrication technology, Optoelectronic characterization techniques, Semiconductors nano-processes technology, Metamaterials, Advanced lithography technology, etc.

4. Bio-Photonics:
Introduction to biophotonics, Microscopy, Principles of biomedical spectroscopy, Nano-biophotonics, Tissue optics, Algorithm and system for optical hemodynamics measurements, etc.