Basics of waveguiding, optical fibers and integrated (planar) waveguide structures. Attenuation, dispersion and nonlinear mechanisms in optical communications. Mode-coupling structures (directional couplers, tapers, periodic Bragg gratings, counter-propagating). Passive and tunable components (mirrors, tapers, Y-junctions, isolators & circulators, modulators, resonators, filters, routers, switches, multiplexes, arrayed-waveguide gratings). Active optical devices: sources (laser diodes and LEDs), receivers (detectors, photodiodes, noise), amplifiers (erbium-doped fibers, semiconductor). Synthesis of integrated photonic circuits. Areas with active research interest.

Extra contents:

•          Educational laboratory kit of a full optical communication system (laser source, modulator, optical fiber, receiver/demodulator photodiode), to be demonstrated to students.

•          Introduction to scientific programming and use of specialized software for analysis and design of photonic and optical devices.

This course is an introduction to photonics while also covering fundamental optical principles. After successful completion of the course, the students will…

•          Comprehend the principles of waveguiding in optical structures

•          Break-down complex photonic/optical structures into the constituting components

•          Design and implement simple photonic components for telecom/datacom applications

•          Familiarize with methodologies for the design of advanced devices

•          Acquaintance with technologies for the fabrication of photonic/optical devices and associated challenges.

•          Identify photonic components and understand their role in optical communication systems.

•          Be able to explain to non-experts the relation of these technologies with society, economy, and human welfare, and identify opportunities and threats.

None. However, knowledge from course “Electromagnetic waves” (5th semester) is essential.

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Theory and Exercise Lectures  (theory and exercises)

Remote teaching when needed

- Recommended Book Resources:

[1]   Οπτοηλεκτρονική, Αλεξανδρής Α.

[2]   Εφαρμοσμένη Οπτική, 3η Έκδοση, Ζευγώλης Δ.

[3]   ΟΠΤΙΚΗ ΚΑΙ ΛΕΙΖΕΡ, M. Young

[4]   Οπτοηλεκτρονική, Νέα Βελτιωμένη, Singh Jasprit

[5]   Συστήματα Επικοινωνιών με Οπτικές Ίνες, Agrawal G. P.