EEL 4440 - Optical Communication Systems

 

Catalog Description: (3 cr) Electromagnetic field theory and its application to antenna design.

Prerequisites: Electromagnetics Fields and Applications I

Textbook: Fiber Optic Communications, 5th edition, J.C. Palais, Pearson Prentice Hall, 2005.

Course Objective: The objective is to give students a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of the operation and design of fiber optic systems and components employed in such communication systems.

Professional Component: 3 credits of Engineering Science

Relationship to Outcomes:  (To view how the outcomes of this course fit in with the curriculum, click here)

• EE2 - knowledge of mathematics, basic and engineering sciences necessary to analyze and design complex systems
• a - an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
• e - an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
• k - an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice

Class Schedule:  3 classes per week of 50 minutes each

Topics:

• Overview of fiberoptic communication systems: evolution, nature of light, advantages and applications
• Optics Review: Ray theory, lenses, imaging, numerical aperture, diffraction
• Lightwave fundamentals: introduction to electromagnetic waves, wave equations, group velocity, dispersion, polarization, resonant cavities, total internal reflection
• Integrated optic waveguides: dielectric-slab waveguide, modes, coupling, dispersion, integration
• Optic fibers: step-index fibers, graded-index fibers, modes and fields in fibers, pulse broadening and information rate, fiber fabrication and characterization
• Optical sources and amplifiers: PN junction, LEDs, laser principles, laser diodes, tunable laser diodes, VCSELs, modulation, optical amplifiers
• Optical receivers: photomultipliers, photodiodes, APDs, responsivity, quantum efficiency, noise, heterodyne detection, preamplifiers
• WDM concepts and components: WDM principles, N´N couplers, star couplers, add/drop multiplexers, fiber grating filters, tunable sources, and tunable filters.
• All optical-switching: advantages, MEMS introduction, optical MEMS devices for optical switching

Course Committee:  Dr. Xie, Chair, Dr. Srivastava, Dr. Latchman

Course Committee Reports for:

Fall Term		Spring Term		Summer Term
2005