Optical Communication Systems

(15 Credits)

Aims:

This module is designed to present the key elements driving the growth in optical communication systems. The approach necessary includes not only an appreciation of device principles but also the broader picture of optoelectronic systems integration, essential to the future provision of high bandwidth for multimedia applications. Within the module the principles of optical fibre waveguiding and fibre transmission characteristics are presented. In addition, the operation of modern optical devices is described. Furthermore, the module also considers the detailed design, analysis and operation of optical fibre communication systems and networks. In particular, it presents detailed coverage of important optical fibre and free space networks for future communication applications, with both the facilitating technologies and the networks resulting from their integration being considered. The module aims to provide specialist knowledge of the strategies and techniques involved in the design and implementation of optical communication systems.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module students will master the following aspects:

Analysis and design of modern optical fibre systems. Understanding of optical communication systems.
Advanced knowledge of modern optical components and their integration.
Considerable insight into emerging technologies in optical fibre and infrared/visible optical wireless systems.
The significance of, dispersion and attenuation in optical fibre communications.
Utilisation of the Gaussian approximation to the fundamental propagation mode in optical fibres.
Advanced knowledge of optical receiver signals, amplification, noise, distortion and measurement. Analysis of optical preamplifiers and interpretation of the results.
Employment of optical fibre V-parameter to produce fibre design curves. In-depth comprehension of lasers, light emitting diodes and photodiodes.

Illustrative Bibliography

G P Agrawal, Fiber-optic communication systems, 4th edition, Wiley, 2010, ISBN 9780470918517 [eBOOK]
J M Senior, Optical fiber communications: principles and practice, 3rd edition, Prentice-Hall, 2009, ISBN 9780130326812 [TK 5103.8.S3]
R L Freeman, Fiber-Optic Systems for Telecommunications, 2002, 9780471414773, [TK 5103.8.F7]
R Ramaswami, K N Sivarajan and G H Sasaki, Optical Networks: A Practical Perspective, 3rd edition, Morgan Kaufmann, 2009 ISBN 9780123740922 [TK 5103.8.R2]