431-641 Advanced Topics in Photonics

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Credit Points

Prerequisites

Grade of H2B or better in 431-216 Physical Electronics, in 431-306 Fields and Transmission Lines, and in 431-302 Communications 3, or equivalent

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

On completion of this subject, the students should; be familiar with a number of concepts and components important in the design of advanced optical communications systems; be able to apply a number of theoretical models to the analysis and design of advanced optical communications systems; be equipped with an understanding of optical components and systems essential for higher degree research in the fields of photonics.

Topics chosen from: Fundamental concepts and components: Sources, Detectors, Optical modulation and modulators, Laser rate equations, Semiconductor and fibre optical amplifiers, Noise and noise characterisation, Bit-error rates, power penalty and power budget. Advanced time-division multiplexing systems: Pulse generation, Multiplexing, Linear and nonlinear transmission, De-multiplexing and timing extraction. Advanced wavelength-division multiplexing systems: Sources, Multiplexing and de-multiplexing, Switching and routing, Receivers. Nonlinear application of semiconductor optical amplifiers: Optical switching, Optical frequency conversion, Numerical modelling of devices and systems, Computer-aided designs.

Assessment

One written examination not exceeding three-hours; practice classes, tests and/or assignments, not exceeding 20 pages