EEEN40640 Optoelectronics

Academic Year 2021/2022

Optoelectronics comprises the deployment of visible and near infra-red electromagnetic waves to advantage in telecommunications. The advantages of light based telecommunications include ultrafast transmission speed, robustness and security, and extreme high data rates. There will be selections from the following topics.
Transmission systems including the characterisation and applications of appropriate materials. Basic system physical layer description: (a) Electromagnetic radiation sources, (b) transmission media/waveguides, and (c) detectors.
Electromagnetic WKB theory for modes in standard (MM, GI & SM) and exotic (W, photonic crystal) optical fibre types. Design principles and equations governing multimode, single-mode, dispersion-shifted and flattened fibre types. Advanced semiconductor description of opto-electronic behaviour. Laser dynamics. DFB, DBR and quantum-well lasers and phased arrays. Nano-scale structures, low-dimensional devices. PIN, APD photodetectors. System limits, signal and noise examples. Binary photo-detection, quantum limit, coherent receivers. Optical sensors: laser-type, fibre-type, e.g. gyroscope. Integrated optoelectronic circuits: Wave-guide theory.
Optical materials, e.g. photosensitive materials, photorefractives, metamaterials and ferroelectrics. Multi-dimensional (e.g. time, space, frequency, polarisation) optical modulation devices, e.g. SLMs and MEMS and their applications in telecommunication systems.
NOTE: RESIT EXAMINATIONS shall normally involve a written examination paper of the same duration and form as a standard final examination paper.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Optoelectronic Engineering learning outcomes will be: The student will be capable of understanding and designing the core component parts of modern optical, communication systems for internet data and storage networks at multi-gigabit per second speeds. The student will learn to interpreting the behaviour of advanced optoelectronic, materials, sensors and optical data processing circuits for a range of optical communication technologies and systems.

Independent learning involving, for example, research level literature and/or attending and reporting on webinars by professional bodies, will be carried out by the students. The object will be to enhance, extend and empower the student learning experience. This will providing them with opportunities to further develop self-responsibility through provision of increased chioice placing them in situation of control. Opportunities for autonomous learning will be provided to encourage the student to create and use knowledge.

OVERVIEW:
LO (1) The student will be capable of designing (under practical constraints) the component parts of modern optical, communication systems for internet data and storage networks at multi-gigabit per second speeds.
LO (2) The student will be capable of interpreting the behaviour of optoelectronic sensors and optical data processing circuits used in optoelectronic communication technology.
LO (3) The student will understand the workings of and application of both optoelectronic hardware and standard design and characterisation software.
LO (4) The student will be able to communicate the results of their work in writing:(Written final examination and technical report). (Essays involve issues of professionalism and plagiarism; Topics covered include technical, cost and environmental/societal impact issues).
LO (5) The student will be able to communicate the results of their work in oral form:(Oral presentation and discussions during tutorials and lectures). (Oral presentations involve issues of professionalism and plagiarism; - Topics covered include technical issues, financial costs and environmental/societal impact).

Indicative Module Content:


Electromagnetic WKB theory for modes in standard (MM, GI & SM) and exotic (W, photonic crystal) optical fibre types. Design principles and equations governing multimode, single-mode, dispersion-shifted and flattened fibre types. Advanced semiconductor description of opto-electronic behaviour. Laser dynamics. DFB, DBR and quantum-well lasers and phased arrays. Nano-scale structures, low-dimensional devices. PIN, APD photodetectors. System limits, signal and noise examples. Binary photo-detection, quantum limit, coherent receivers. Optical sensors: laser-type, fibre-type, e.g. gyroscope. Integrated optoelectronic circuits: Wave-guide theory.
Optical materials, e.g. photosensitive materials, photorefractives, metamaterials and ferroelectrics. Multi-dimensional (e.g. time, space, frequency, polarisation) optical modulation devices, e.g. SLMs and MEMS and their applications in telecommunication systems.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

36

Laboratories

2

Autonomous Student Learning

76

Total

114

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Students are expected to attend lectures.
The notes for all material presented will be made available in advance.
Students will be expected to write essays on suitable research papers/topics of their choice.
Students will attend suitable seminars and choose to listen to approved technical webinars and write reviews.
Students will keep a portfolio of their notes, essay and presentations delivered during the semester.
Marks will be given for participation, and the quality of material delivered.
Feedback will take place in the class each 1-2 weeks.

Therefore the module will involve self motivated and directed active/task-based learning; peer and group work; lectures; critical writing; reflective learning; enquiry & problem-based learning; debates/discussions; student presentations. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Mathematics: Complex numbers and functions, vector calculus, Fourier transform, partial differential equations
Physics: Conservation of energy, SI unit system, semiconductors materials
Engineering: linear systems, signal processing, feedback, solidstate diode junctions
Optics: Refraction, reflection, diffraction, interference

Learning Recommendations:

Optical physics, Solid state physics, Engineering Mathematics
Electromagnetic waves, light materials interactions


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
EEEN30030 - Electromagnetic Waves

Additional Information:
See course co-coordinator if further information needed.


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: [[During corona virus] replace 2 hour final written examination
with 4 hour written open book work sheet to be completed during exam slot
and returned to examiner.
Coursework (End of Trimester) No Graded No

50

Continuous Assessment: presentations and discussions in class
delivery of portfolio covering all material and achievements during module

{{increased percentage during corona virus]]
Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

50


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

[[during corona virus some of the material and feedback will take place via remote audio visual methods e.g. zoom]] Students will interact with the lecturer in the class students will be required to submit reviews/reports on assigned work (papers, webinars, seminars) and justify and defend their opinions in class to the lecture and their peers equivalent to ~one lecture out of three each week ~35% of marks. Students will submit a portfolio (folder) containing all there activities during the final week of the module. Students will write a final examination ~ 65% of marks.