96494 - Optical Technologies and Fiber Optic Systems

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide the student with the knowledge of the basic concepts of optical propagation (concept of beam, optical path, local plane wave) and the ability to understand the functioning of devices such as lenses, prisms, diffraction gratings. The student also learns the theoretical tools for understanding propagation in dielectric guides and optical fibers, and their use in telecommunications. At the end of the course, the student knows the characteristics and operation of sources, such as LASER and LED, of optical detectors and the main transmission standards, and is able to design simple optical systems for transmitting power and information both in free space or using optical fibers.

Course contents

Fundamentals of optical propagation. Concept of ray, optical path, local plane wave. Functions performed by the main optical devices and components.

Engineering aspects and fundamental design parameters of optical fiber systems.

Optical fiber transmission of digital signals and radio frequency signals. Basic structure of Fiber To The Home (FTTH) networks and Radio Over Fiber (RoF) systems.

Fundamentals of wireless transmission at optical frequencies: infrared wireless, visible light communications (eg Li-Fi)

Computer design of wireless optical transmission systems and optical fiber transmission systems.

Readings/Bibliography

Slides and handouts provided by the teacher, available on the Virtuale platform.

For further information on the topics of the course:

G. Keiser, Optical Fiber Communications, McGraw-Hill.

Z. Ghassemlooy, W. Popoola, and S. Rajbhandari, Optical Wireless Communications System and Channel Modelling with MATLAB, Taylor&Francis, 2018.

Teaching methods

In the lectures the contents of the course are illustrated, highlighting the connections with the theory of guided propagation.

The practical exercitations, mainly carried out with the use of the computer, are dedicated to the development of project application examples.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of two tests which take place one immediately after the other.

- a computer test, carried out alongside the examiner, aimed at verifying the familiarity acquired by the student with the Fiber-To-The-Home optical network project.

- an oral test, aimed at verifying the assimilation of the theoretical concepts on which the contents of the course are based.

To be able to take the exam it is mandatory to register on ALMAEsami.

The purpose of the exam is to verify the student's ability to apply his or her knowledge to practical problems, and to make the necessary logical-deductive connections.

Criteria for the assigmnent of the final marks:

Poor knowledge of the topics of the course, inadequate capacity for critical analysis and analysis / solution of practical problems; incorrect or inappropriate expression will result in a negative evaluation. In case of insufficient marks, students will have to repeat the test.

Preparation on a very limited number of topics covered in the course and analytical skills that emerge only with the help of the teacher, expressed in an overall correct language → 18-19;

Preparation on a limited number of topics covered in the course and ability to autonomous analysis only on purely executive matters, expression in correct language → 20-24;

Preparation on a large number of topics covered in the course, ability to make autonomous choices of critical analysis, mastery of specific terminology → 25-29;

Excellent ability to critically analyze the topics covered and excellent ability to express and argue; excellent competence and ability to apply knowledge to practical problems independently → 30-30L.

Teaching tools

Slides and handouts of the course, available on the Virtual platform.

"Quantum GIS" software for the design of Fiber To The Home systems.

Office hours

See the website of Enrico Maria Vitucci