Trinity College, Dublin
Join Quantum Design UK and Ireland and our partners at J.A. Woollam for two annual events that have helped train and support the spectroscopic ellipsometry community for over two decades. Held on consecutive days, these events are designed to provide valuable learning opportunities for both new and experienced users, combining expert-led presentations, practical guidance, and insights into the latest developments in ellipsometry instrumentation and analysis.
The Workshop introduces the principles, applications, and current trends in ellipsometry, while the CompleteEASE Training Course delivers detailed instruction on the software tools and advanced modelling techniques used to extract meaningful information from complex materials and thin-film systems. If you are an existing user, it is recommended that you attend both.
The two events:
Spectroscopy Ellipsometry Workshop
- Venue: Trinity College, Dublin
- Date: October 27, 2026
- FREE
- Aimed at:
- People interested in learning more about ellipsometry
- And those already using it who want to:
- have a refresher
- learn about emerging applications
- discover recent advances
CompleteEase Software Training Course
- Venue: Trinity College, Dublin
- Date: October 28 – 30, 2026
- Cost involved
- Aimed at:
- Existing Users of Woollam ellipsometers wanting to learn:
- modelling strategies
- practical use
- advanced data analysis
- Existing Users of Woollam ellipsometers wanting to learn:
- Details on this page, so scroll down for more info and to register
- It is recommended that you also attend the Workshop, so please register for that too – press the big red button in the workshop column
October 28 – 30, 2026
We will introduce the fundamentals of data analysis at a beginner-to-intermediate level. All details will be described using the latest CompleteEASE software.
Short courses include extensive training through examples and interaction between other students and instructors. We highly recommend attending the Workshop on October 27th, prior to attending this course. Details can be found here.
This year’s course will be held at the School of Physics, SNIAM Lecture Theatre, Trinity College, Dublin.
Our Host
Christopher M. Smith M.Sc. M.Inst.P.
Christopher Smith is a Senior Experimental Officer in the School of Physics at Trinity College Dublin. He has extensive experience in ellipsometry and leads the Optical Analysis Laboratory. His work centres on thin films and nanostructured materials, including the modelling of multilayer and nanolaminate systems, with particular interest in transparent conducting oxides and transition metal oxides. He has significant experience with the Woollam M-2000 Ellipsometer platform and advanced data analysis using CompleteEASE. His current PhD research focuses on functional laminate structures, linking optical response to effective properties driven by confinement and interfacial effects.
Course Content
Data Analysis Strategies for:
- Substrates
- Transparent thin films
- Absorbing films (B-spline and Gen-osc layers)
- Multilayers
- Advanced Modeling Strategies for:
- Graded Layers
- Uniaxially anisotropic films
- Ultrathin metals
- Practical Situations:
- Uniformity mapping data
- Real-time data
FAQs
This course is designed for beginner to intermediate users of spectroscopic ellipsometry who want to improve their data analysis skills using CompleteEASE software. It is particularly valuable for researchers, engineers, postgraduate students, and existing J.A. Woollam users looking to build confidence in modelling and interpreting ellipsometry data.
No. The course starts with fundamental data analysis concepts before progressing to more advanced modelling techniques. Attendees with limited experience can gain a strong foundation, while more experienced users can refine their workflows and learn advanced modelling strategies.
No, but attendance at the workshop the day before is strongly recommended. The workshop provides a useful introduction to ellipsometry theory, applications, and best practices that can help participants get even more value from the three-day training course.
Participants will learn how to analyse data from transparent and absorbing films, build multilayer models, work with B-spline and oscillator models, perform uniformity mapping, analyse real-time data, and apply advanced modelling techniques to complex samples.
Yes. All delegates are required to bring their own laptop, charger, and a mouse (preferably with a trackball). This ensures you can follow the hands-on exercises and work directly with CompleteEASE software throughout the course.
Yes. All attendees who complete the course receive a certificate of completion, recognising their participation and training in CompleteEASE software and spectroscopic ellipsometry data analysis.
Yes. Early-bird and student rates are available, and universities sending multiple attendees can benefit from a discounted group rate.
- Course Price: £900 (€1000) excluding VAT
- Early Bird / Student Course Price: £700 (€800) (if purchase order placed before 31 August, 2026)
- 40% discount on rate if multiple users from the same University would like to attend
Examples typically include transparent films, absorbing films, multilayer structures, graded layers, anisotropic materials, ultrathin metals, and other materials commonly analysed using spectroscopic ellipsometry.
All course materials and training, lunch and refreshments each day.
Hotels and transport are not included, but we do have a list of recommended local accommodation, please get in touch. We can also arrange car parking permits.
Course details
- Dates: October 28 – 30, 2026
- Venue: Trinity College, Dublin
- Course Price: £900 (€1000) excluding VAT
- Early Bird / Student Course Price: £700 (€800) (if purchase order placed before 31 August, 2026)
- 40% discount on rate if multiple users from the same University would like to attend
- Lunch and refreshments are included – please let us know your dietary requirements
- Car park spaces – if you require a permit please contact us, subject to availability
- For details on hotels in the area, please contact Angela Carslake
All CompleteEASE course delegates are required to bring their own laptop and charger and mouse with trackball.
Course Instructors to be announced
We will email out details as they are announced, so ensure you are on our mailing list, to be the first to know!
Testimonials
“I attended a 3 day J.A. Woollam CompleteEASE Software Training Course 2023 and workshop in the University of Southampton. The event was well planned and organised and it was a a huge success and definitely this achievement is only one of many the future will bring.
It was very clear that a lot of thinking and planning went into organising caterers, location etc- Thank you so much Angela Carslake and Shayz Ikram, we deeply enjoyed it! Even months before, we got all the updates and information regarding what to expect and how to install the software. The workshop introduction by James Hilfiker gave me a deep understanding about what is happening inside the ellipsometer can be used to determine many parameters in addition to thickness. The team spirit was amazing, and they taught us very clearly how to model different materials based on transparent or absorbing using plenty of examples. Thank you so so much!”
Aveena Vhargese, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of St. Andrews
“QDUKI run some short courses, which are really good for new users and our students who have joined the group. So I’ll say to them why don’t you check out this short course or this workshop that QDUKI are offering. Just to make sure you’re up to date with the latest developments. It’s been such a pleasure working with Quantum Design and also with the J.A. Woollam company”
Prof. Joe Keddie, University of Surrey and Recipient of the Rideal Award 2026
“Regarding the training course, it provided step-by-step guidance on how to best leverage spectroscopic ellipsometry for sample characterisation (measurement and analysis), using J.A. Woollam’s CompleteEASE software. The course addressed how to use CompleteEASE, through a comprehensive introduction, as well as how to model different types of materials (transparent, absorbing, semi-absorbing and ultra-thin films) and how to characterise multiple samples concurrently (model multiple datasets), multi-point data mapping and model dynamic data (time series data).
I can confidently recommend this event to anyone seeking to improve their expertise in materials characterisation, in particular spectroscopic ellipsometry. It accomplishes this by delivering detailed and thorough content, linking measurement, modelling and analysis, providing its users with a better understanding of its data, and in turn, of the materials being characterised.”
Steven. R Carneiro, Technical Specialist, Plessey Semiconductors
“QDUKI and Woollam have worked together for over 25 years now and these events are always productive, fun and insightful – getting feedback from the users helps us shape the developments we make in the future. We look forward to meeting you at future events.”
Andrew Martin, Applications Engineer, J.A. Woollam Company
Quantum Design UK and Ireland (QDUKI) reserves the right to use any photograph/video taken at any QDUKI event without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video. We will not, however, use identifying information such as names or company/institution without your permission.
