Optical fibres constitute the backbone of the worlds long-distance telecommunications systems and are being used increasingly in many other areas. The course sets out to provide a basic understanding of optical transmission systems concentrating on light propagation along fibres and through light processing devices. Light propagation covers: modal propagation and Maxwell's equations;ray tracing;single-mode, multi-mode and special fibres;pulse propagation and dispersion;fibre and device fabrication; and birefringence and bend loss. Light processing devices include couplers splitters and gratings; Mach-Zehnder interferometers; optical amplifiers and attenuators; and polarisers and circulators. Laboratory work covers both hands-on, fibre based experiments and software simulations. Note: if required, this course is also available as ENGN4513

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Explain the structure and operation of optical fibre systems.

2. Explain the use of fibres in medicine and nanophotonics

3. Quantify the above.

Assessment will be based on:

• Assignments (20% in total; LO 1-3)
• Labs (30%; LO 1-3)
• Exam (50%; LO 1-3)