Module ICM-2014:
Optoelectronics

Module Facts

Run by School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering

10.000 Credits or 5.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser: Dr Maziar Nezhad

Overall aims and purpose

The main learning objective is to present the underlying principles of photonics, optoelectronic devices and lightwave technology. Special focus will be given to the applications of these in optical telecommunications in the context of integrated photonics. Students will obtain an understanding of the principles of light (ray optics and wave optics), optical beams, optical waveguides, photonic waveguide devices, optical properties of materials, photonic detectors and light generation, including lasers.

Course content

  • Principles of light and ray optics
  • Wave optics
  • Polarization
  • Gaussian beams
  • Optical waveguides and optical fibres
  • Optical waveguide devices
  • Optical resonators
  • Optical properties of materials
  • Photons and the particle model of light
  • Absorption and emission
  • Light detection and photovoltaics
  • Semiconductor optics
  • Light sources, population inversion and lasers
  • Photonic device fabrication technology

Assessment Criteria

threshold

40%

good

60%

excellent

70%

Learning outcomes

  1. An understanding of light generation, population inversion and lasers.

  2. Understand basic concepts in optics including reflection, refraction, polarisation and interference.

  3. Understand the general principles of light in the ray optics, wave optics and photon models.

  4. Understand the principles of light absorption, photo detection and photovoltaics.

  5. A basic understanding of optical waveguides and planar optical devices such as the Mach Zehnder interferometer.

  6. Gain knowledge about the technology used to fabricate and package integrated optical devices.

  7. An understanding of optical resonators.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
: Final examination 60.00
Midterms 30.00
: Mini-project or essay 10.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Private study 76
Lecture

One 2 hour lecture per week over 12 weeks

 24

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting

Resources

Courses including this module