Optical fibers and communications

1. Identify the most important elements and concepts of light propagation in optical fiber and their application in communications.
2. Assess the effects of attenuation and dispersion in the quality of the optical signal, particularly its influence on the bandwidth of the communication channels and understanding the mechanisms designed for amplification and signal regeneration.

LEARNING RESULTS

After passing this course, students will master the fundamental principles of light propagation in optical fibers, the more efficient transmission medium in modern communication systems. In particular, the student will learn:
- The basic elements of a communication system and their functions;
- The fundamentals of the optical phenomena involved in the propagation of light in optical fibers (waveguiding, dispersion, attenuation and nonlinear effects) and their impact on the transmission of information;
- The fundamental principles of the technology that has been developed to compensate for the distortion of the optical signal (dispersion compensation and amplification).

1. Fundamentals of Optical Communications: typical system elements and modulation techniques.
2. Basics of propagation in optical fibers. Guided modes and pulse propagation.
3. Dispersion in optical fibers and dispersion compensation systems.
4. Attenuation and signal amplification systems.
5. Nonlinear effects in optical fibers. Limitations.

- J. Capmany, F. J. Fraile-Pérez, J. Martí, Fundamentos de Comunicaciones Opticas, (Ed. Síntesis, 1999).
- J. Gowar, Optical Communication Systems, 2nd. ed., (Prentice Hall, 1993).
- G. P. Agrawal, “Lightwave Technology. Telecommunication systemas.”(Wiley 2005).
- G. P. Agrawal, “Lightwave Technology. Components and devices.”(Wiley 2004).

GENERAL COMPETENCES
CG01 - Acquire the ability to perform research work as a team.
CG02 - Be able to analyse and synthesize.
CG03 - Acquire the ability to write texts, articles or scientific reports in accordance to publication standards.
CG04 - Become familiar with the different modalities used to disseminate results and disseminate knowledge in scientific meetings.
CG05 - Apply the knowledge acquired to solve complex problems.

BASIC COMPETENCES
CB6 - Possess and understand knowledge that provides a basis or opportunity to be original in the development and/or application of ideas, often within a research context.
CB7 - That students know how to apply the knowledge acquired and their ability to solve problems in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their area of study.
CB8 - That students are able to integrate knowledge and face the complexity of making judgments based on information that, being incomplete or limited, includes reflections on the social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgments.
CB9 - That students know how to communicate their conclusions and the knowledge and ultimate reasons that sustain them to specialized and non-specialized audiences in a clear and unambiguous way.
CB10 - That students possess the learning skills that allow them to continue studying in a way that will be largely self-directed or autonomous.

TRANSVERSAL COMPETENCES

CT01 - Ability to interpret texts, documentation, reports and academic articles in English, the scientific language par excellence.
CT02 - Develop the capacity to make responsible decisions in complex and/or responsible situations.

SPECIFIC COMPETENCES
CE10 - Understand and assimilate fundamental and applied aspects of the physics of light and radiation.
CE11 - Acquire knowledge and mastery of strategies and systems for the transmission of light and radiation.

The demonstrative sessions will be used for the explanation of the contents following a lecture format, although student participation is encouraged. Interactive seminar classes will be used for solving problems related to previously introduced contents to reinforce concepts.

All the material will be made available to students at the Virtual Campus. This platform will also be used to propose and carry out activities.

Languages of the course: Galician, Spanish, English.

A system based on continuous assessment will be preferably followed:
i. Solving practical exercises
ii. Activities in non-classroom time
iii. Active and constructive participation in class

Exceptionally, a final exam of the subject will be carried out.

In cases of fraudulent performance of exercises or tests, the provisions of the Regulations for the evaluation of student academic performance and review of grades will apply.

* Lectures: 20h
* Seminar: 10h
* Tutorials: 1h
* Personal work: 44h
* Total student work: 75h

Revisiting the concepts already studied in the courses Optics I and II, the associated experimental labs, and the courses of Nonlinear Optics and Integrated Optics.