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.

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.

PG assessment will be based on:  Examination 50%, laboratory 30%, assignments 10%, report & presentation 20%

UG Assessment will be based on:  Examination 50%, laboratory 30%, assignments 30%

24 lectures, 6 tutorials and 24 hours laboratory sessions

Third year Physics or Electrical/Electronics Engineering is required. 

Co-badge and incompatible with ENGN6513.