Fiber Optic Communications

16.490/16.590

Prof. Armiento

Fall 2007

Course Announcements:

Course Description

This course will provide a practical introduction to the basic principles of optical fiber systems and networks.  The course will emphasize the physical properties and operation of components that comprise optical systems (fiber, semiconductor lasers, photodetectors, etc.).  The basic elements of optical network operation will also be described. The material will cover a broad number of topics to allow the student to understand the underlying principles of the field and to be prepared for more detailed study in the form of advanced courses and/or research.

Instructor Information

Instructor:              Prof. Craig Armiento

Office:                    Ball 301

Office Hours:          Monday & Wednesday: 1-3 pm.  

Email:                      Craig_Armiento@uml.edu

Phone:                    (978) 934-3395

Faculty Web site:    http://faculty.uml.edu/carmiento/

Student Objectives

As a result of this course, it is expected that the student will be able to:

1.      Explain the operation of optical fibers and their characteristics such as attenuation and dispersion.

2.      Understand the operation of active optoelectronic semiconductor components such as diode lasers, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and photodetectors.

3.      Describe the operating principles of optical components such as couplers and optical amplifiers.

4.      Use the operating characteristics of these devices to design an optical link for specific distance and bandwidth goals.

5.      Explain the operation of Wavelength Division Multiplexed (WDM) optical networks.

Course Materials

The course textbook is Fiber Optic Communications (Third Edition), Gerd Keiser, McGraw-Hill (see http://www.mhhe.com/engcs/electrical/keiser/).  Lecture notes will be passed out in class and will also be available from the course web site.  These notes do not replace reading the textbook.

Grading and Test Schedule

2 Tests (25% each)

Final Exam (40%)

Homework 10%

A missed test is equivalent to a zero if the student does not provide prior notification or cannot provide proof of an emergency situation.

Final grades are not based on a curve. For instance, if you want an A you will need to have a numerical grade of 90 or better, a B would require 80-90, etc.  Also, there will be no extra credit assignments granted at the end of the semester to improve your grade – don’t bother to ask.

Keys to Success

The keys to success are simple:

1.      Attend class with lecture notes

2.      Read the assigned sections of the textbook

3.      Do the homework!

Homework is designed to allow students to apply the principles discussed in the lectures.  Homework problems are representative of the types of problems that will be used in tests.  Assignments must be neat, stapled and turned in on time - late assignments will not be accepted (except for extenuating circumstances or prior permission). It is OK to work in a group on homework problems but copying the work others is NOT allowed.  Working on the problems is critically important to success in the tests.

Course Schedule. 

The course will follow the material as presented in the course textbook from Chapters 1 thru 12 (will skip Chapter 9). 

Lecture Notes