NG4S905 - Optoelectronic Devices for Telecommunications 01 Sep 2022 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 3

Associated Module Information

Module Code: NG4S905
Module Title: Optoelectronic Devices for Telecommunications
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Information and Electronics
Faculty Sub Group: Electronics
Module Leader: Kang Li
Module Team: Sivagunalan Sivanathan
First Intended Intake: SEP 2015 Final Year of Intake: 2026
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100163 - electrical and electronic engineering
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 3
Valid From 01 Sep 2022
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

To equip students with an ability to evaluate optoelectronic devices and their applications in telecommunications, emphasizing theoretical knowledge, problem-solving, design principles, operational characteristics, and performance optimization.

Content Summary

Introduction to Light

  • Fundamentals of electromagnetic (EM) propagation.

  • Overview of ray optics, wave optics, fiber optics, and laser optics.

  Physics of Optical Fiber Technology

  • Exploration of fiber optics and Gaussian beam propagation within fibers.

  • Loss calculations, both qualitative and quantitative.

  • Analysis of dispersion and its effects on data transmission.

Interference and Applications

  • Detailed explanation of laser physics, and interference phenomena.

  • Applications in optical filters, dispersion compensation, and optical phase demodulation.

Optical Communication Modulation Formats

  • Overview of modulation formats such as Intensity Modulation (IM), Differential Phase Shift Keying (DPSK), and advanced phase modulation schemes.

Key Optical Components in Optical Fiber Networks

  • Passive Components: Optical fiber couplers, circulators, dispersion compensators, filters/interleavers, optical isolators, and switches.

  • Active Components: Laser diodes, laser amplifiers, optical detectors, and semiconductor sensors.

 Future Optical Network Technologies

  • Exploration of emerging functionalities and technological trends driving next-generation communication systems.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 24
Practical classes and workshops 12
Independent Study 120
Directed Study 32
Tutorial 12
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Be able to apply an in-depth understanding of optical physics to critically evaluate the components used in optical telecommunications and their range of functionalities.
LO2 Be able to critically analyse and investigate one of key optoelectronic components used in telecommunications.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Practical Written Work 1 Conduct relevant practical/software assignment and provide a write up. 0 2000 50 No 50
Synchronous Onsite Assessment (Exam) Onsite Closed Book Examination 1 Exam 120 N/A 50 No 50

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Practical Written Work 1
Onsite Closed Book Examination 1

Reading List

Elion HA, Morozov VN. Optoelectronic Switching Systems in Telecommunications and Computers. CRC Press; 2020 Nov 25.

Dutta NK, Zhang X. Optoelectronic devices. World Scientific; 2018 Jun 27.

Strobel O. Optical and microwave technologies for telecommunication networks. John Wiley & Sons; 2016 May 31.

Mohan S, Arjunan V, Jose SP. Fiber Optics and Optoelectronic Devices. MJP Publisher; 2014 Dec 27.

Ramaswami R, Sivarajan K, Sasaki G. Optical networks: a practical perspective. Morgan Kaufmann; 2009 Nov 27.

Agrawal GP. Lightwave technology: telecommunication systems. John Wiley & Sons; 2005 Aug 19.

Dutton HJ. Understanding optical communications. New Jersey: Prentice Hall PTR; 1998 Aug.

Tricker R. Optoelectronics and fiber optic technology. Newnes; 2002 May 29.