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227-0115-00L 7 Credits BSC , MSC D-ITET

Optoelectronics and Optical Communications

Optoelektronik und optische Kommunikation

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Heinz Jäckel
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:28:41

Abstract

Introduction to the physics of optical processes in dielectrics and semiconductor required to understand the concepts, the design and characterization of all basic devices and components for fiberoptic links, such as optical fibers, waveguides, LED, LASERS, optical amplifiers, modulators and photodetectors. Basic system design and performance characteristics of simple fiberoptic links.

Objective

Enable students to understand and master the concepts and physics of optical processes in solids. Apply these concepts to the design of basic passive and active optical components and devices required in optical communication systems. Provide the basic know-how to design and characterize fiberoptic links und understand the performance trade-offs and limitations.

Content

Optoelectronics is the enabling technology for future Tb/s fiberoptic communication systems serving also as backbones for RF- and Mobile Communication networks. The basic concepts, evolution and significance of optoelectronics are briefly reviewed. The basic nonresonant interactions and propagation properties of lightwaves in dielectrics are analysed. Next the wavepropagation and mode structures in dispersive dielectric waveguides, such as planar waveguides and optical fibers are discussed. The concepts of waveguide coupling, rep. coupled mode theory is used for the design of coupler structures and Bragg-reflectors. A detailed discussion of resonant optical processes leading to optical gain and absorption mainly for semiconductors in the semi-classical and the quantummechanical formalism follows. These basics form the foundation to develop the concepts and design of active optical devices, such as the Light Emitting Diode (LED), the semiconductor and fiber optical amplifier and finally the diode LASER. In the area of photodetector emphasis is put on PIN- and Avalanche photodiodes and their basic high speed and noise properties. Optical modulators form the final device chapter. The analysis, the design considerations and the performance characteristics and limitations of simple point-to-point fiberoptic links with respect to dispersion, attenuation and noise conclude the course.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Script and books:G.P. Agrawal: Fiber-Optic Communication Systems, Wiley, 1992L. Coldren and S. Corzine: Diode Lasers and Photonic Integrated Circuits, Wiley, 1995K.H. Ebeling: Integrated Optoelectronics, Springer, 1993

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 180 minutes
Aids
Alle Hilfsmittel erlaubt

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Optoelektronik und optische Kommunikation
  • Tue 08:15-10:00 (ETZ E 6)
  • Fri 13:15-16:00 (ETZ E 6)
5 h weekly

Offered In