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Peter Bermel and Sayan Roy

This course will aim to introduce students to the fundamentals of fiber optic communications, which constitute the backbone of the internet. The course will start with a refresher on the operation of key components needed for an effective fiber optic communication system, and then show how these components interact at a system level. Finally, the course will conclude with outlook for future research in extending the capabilities of these networks to higher bandwidths and quantum-secured communications.

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This course will aim to introduce students to the fundamentals of fiber optic communications, which constitute the backbone of the internet. The course will start with a refresher on the operation of key components needed for an effective fiber optic communication system, and then show how these components interact at a system level. Finally, the course will conclude with outlook for future research in extending the capabilities of these networks to higher bandwidths and quantum-secured communications.

Students taking this course will be required to complete four (4) proctored exams using the edX online Proctortrack software.

Completed exams will be scanned and sent using Gradescope for grading by Professor Bermel.Fiber Optic Communications is one course in a growing suite of unique, 1-credit-hour short courses being developed in an edX/Purdue University collaboration. Students may elect to pursue a verified certificate for this specific course alone or as one of the six courses needed for the edX/Purdue MicroMasters program in Nanoscience and Technology. For further information and other courses offered and planned, please see the Nanoscience and Technology page.

Courses like this can also apply toward a Master's Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering for students accepted into the full master’s program at Purdue University.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Wave propagation, dispersion, and loss
  • Optical transmitters and receivers: materials, sources, modulation, speed limitations
  • Fundamental concepts in optical communication networks: power, noise, and speed
  • Current optical communication network architectures: tdm, dwdm, qpsk, qam
  • Future optical networks: fiber-to-the-home, data centers, quantum key distribution

Syllabus

Week 1: Optical Fibers
Overview and Introduction
Multi-Mode/Single-Mode Fibers
Graded Index (GRIN) and Step Index Fibers
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Fiber Equations and Networking
Fiber Modes
System Components
Modulation
Multiplexing
Optical Transmitters
Einstein Coefficients
Semiconductor Photonics
Light Emitting Diodes
Week 2: Optical Transmitters and Receivers
Lasers
Laser Principles
Laser Transitions
General Rate Equations
Semiconductor Lasers
Amplification
Lasing Conditions
Quantum Confinement
Functionality
Week 3: Fundamental Concepts in Optical Communications
Optical Telecommunications System Limitations
Links
System Limitations
Optical Amplifiers
Principles
Hardware
Week 4: Current Optical Communication Network Architecture
Wavelength Division Multiplexing
WDM Principles
WDM Hardware
Hybrid Packet/Optical Networks
Modulation Formats
CDM, TDM
ASK, PSK, and FSK
Week 5: Future Optical Networks
Networking Growth
Upgrading Existing Network Hardware
Improved Communications Protocols
Novel Network Concepts
On-Chip Interconnects
Guided-Wave Interconnects
Photonic Crystals
Photonic Waveguides
Photonic Slabs
Quantum Cryptography
Classical Cryptography
Quantum Key Distributions
Quantum Networks
Quantum Networking Fundamentals
Quantum Repeaters
Quantum Teleportation
Quantum Computation

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines current and future optical network architectures including TDM, DWDM, QPSK, and QAM used in industry
Suitable for students and professionals seeking foundational knowledge to strengthen their understanding of optical communications
Taught by recognized subject matter experts Peter Bermel and Sayan Roy, providing credibility to the course material
Provides a strong foundation in wave propagation, dispersion, and loss, which are fundamental concepts in fiber optics
Covers key components in fiber optic systems, such as optical transmitters and receivers, providing a comprehensive understanding of the system

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Reviews summary

Engaging fiber optics course

According to students, this Fiber Optic Communications course largely focusing on fiber optic communication that clearly explains the subject and provides engaging assignments.
The course offers engaging assignments that help in understanding the subject.
"provide assignment which help to understand clearly "
The course provides clear explanations of fiber optic communication concepts.
"This course very helpful and it clearly explains about fiber optic communication."
"This course explains clearly about each unit"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fiber Optic Communications with these activities:
Create a comprehensive study guide for the fiber optic communications course
Enhance your understanding and recall of course material by creating a comprehensive study guide that consolidates key concepts, formulas, and practice problems.
Show steps
  • Review your lecture notes, textbook, and any additional course materials.
  • Identify and summarize the most important concepts and formulas for each topic.
  • Include practice problems and examples to reinforce your understanding.
  • Organize the study guide into a logical structure and format it for easy reference.
Review Maxwell's Equations
Review Maxwell's Equations, which are foundational to the study of optical communications.
Browse courses on Maxwell's Equations
Show steps
  • Read about Maxwell's Equations in your textbook or online.
  • Solve practice problems involving Maxwell's Equations.
  • Attend a review session on Maxwell's Equations.
Participate in a study group for fiber optic communications
Engage with peers in a study group to discuss course concepts, share insights, and reinforce your understanding of optical communication principles.
Show steps
  • Form a study group with classmates or join an existing group.
  • Set regular meeting times and stick to them.
  • Take turns presenting on different topics related to the course material.
  • Discuss practice problems and work together to solve them.
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Solve practice problems on fiber optic communication
Engage in problem-solving exercises to reinforce your understanding of fiber optic communication concepts and principles.
Show steps
  • Gather practice problems from your textbook, online resources, or your instructor.
  • Work through the problems step-by-step, showing your calculations and reasoning.
  • Check your solutions against answer keys or consult with your instructor for feedback.
Follow tutorials on modulation and demodulation techniques
Complete guided tutorials on modulation and demodulation techniques to enhance your understanding of how data is transmitted and received in fiber optic communication systems.
Browse courses on Modulation
Show steps
  • Find tutorials on modulation and demodulation techniques online or through your university library.
  • Follow the steps in the tutorials to complete the exercises and activities.
  • Review the concepts covered in the tutorials and apply them to your coursework.
Mentor a younger student or peer who is learning about optical communications
Share your knowledge and experience by mentoring a younger student or peer who is learning about optical communications, reinforcing your own understanding and fostering their growth.
Show steps
  • Identify a student or peer who is interested in learning about optical communications.
  • Set up regular meetings to discuss course concepts and provide guidance.
  • Review practice problems and help them develop their problem-solving skills.
  • Provide encouragement and support throughout their learning journey.
Write a blog post on current research in optical communications
Research and write about current advancements and challenges in the field of optical communications to deepen your knowledge and stay updated with the latest developments.
Browse courses on Optical Communications
Show steps
  • Explore recent publications and conference proceedings to identify cutting-edge research topics.
  • Choose a specific topic and gather information from reliable sources.
  • Organize your thoughts and write a well-structured blog post, presenting the key findings and implications of the research.
  • Publish your blog post on a relevant platform and share it with your peers.
Contribute to an open-source project related to fiber optic communications
Gain practical experience and contribute to the broader fiber optic communications community by participating in an open-source project related to the field.
Show steps
  • Identify an open-source project related to fiber optic communications that interests you.
  • Join the project's community and familiarize yourself with their codebase and development process.
  • Find a task or issue that you can contribute to and start working on it.
  • Submit your contributions to the project and collaborate with other developers to refine and improve the project.

Career center

Learners who complete Fiber Optic Communications will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Research Scientist
Research Scientists in photonics and telecommunications conduct research and development on optical communication technologies and devices. The Fiber Optic Communications course from Purdue University can provide a strong foundation for individuals in this field to build upon. The course covers topics such as optical transmitters and receivers, fiber optic networks, and future optical technologies like quantum key distribution, which are at the forefront of photonics research. Understanding these concepts can enhance the expertise of research scientists working in these areas.
Photonics Engineer
Photonics Engineers use light to develop and design devices such as lasers, optical amplifiers, and optical communication systems. The Fiber Optic Communications course from Purdue University can provide a strong foundation for understanding the fundamentals of optical communication and photonics. The course covers topics such as optical transmitters and receivers, fiber optic networks, and future optical technologies like quantum key distribution. This knowledge can be valuable for professionals working in the photonics industry.
Optoelectronics Engineer
Optoelectronics Engineers study the interaction between light and electronics to develop devices such as lasers and fiber optic communication systems. The Fiber Optic Communications course from Purdue University can provide a strong foundation for understanding fundamental concepts in optical communication that are essential for success in this field. Topics covered in the course like wave propagation, dispersion, and loss; optical transmitters and receivers; and the fundamentals of optical communication networks provide a comprehensive overview of key concepts used in optoelectronics engineering.
Telecommunication Engineer
Telecommunication Engineers design, build, and maintain telecommunication systems, including fiber optic networks, wireless networks, and satellite communications systems. The Fiber Optic Communications course from Purdue University can help individuals in this field build a foundation in understanding optical communication networks. The course covers fundamental concepts such as power, noise, and speed in optical networks as well as current architectures like TDM, DWDM, QPSK, and QAM. This knowledge can enhance the expertise of telecommunication engineers working with optical technologies.
Communications Technician
Communications Technicians install, maintain, and repair telecommunications equipment, including fiber optic cables and networks. The Fiber Optic Communications course from Purdue University may be useful for individuals in this role who want to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of fiber optic communication. Topics covered in the course such as optical transmitters and receivers, fiber optic networks, and current architectures like TDM, DWDM, QPSK, and QAM can provide valuable knowledge for professionals working with these technologies.
Network Administrator
Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks, including fiber optic networks. The Fiber Optic Communications course from Purdue University may be useful for individuals in this role who want to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of fiber optic communication and how it impacts network performance. Course topics like power, noise, and speed in optical networks as well as current architectures can provide valuable knowledge for network administrators responsible for managing and troubleshooting these technologies.
Optical Network Engineer
Optical Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain fiber optic networks for telecommunications and data communications applications. The Fiber Optic Communications course from Purdue University may be useful for individuals in this field who want to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of optical communication networks. Course topics like current optical communication network architectures, wavelength division multiplexing, and hybrid packet/optical networks can provide valuable knowledge for professionals working with these technologies.
Optical Fiber Splicer
Optical Fiber Splicers specialize in joining and repairing fiber optic cables. The Fiber Optic Communications course from Purdue University may be useful for individuals in this role who want to gain a deeper understanding of the properties and characteristics of fiber optic cables and how they affect signal transmission. Topics covered in the course such as wave propagation, dispersion, and loss can provide valuable insights for professionals working with fiber optic cables.
Fiber Optic Installer
Fiber Optic Installers install and maintain fiber optic cables and equipment for telecommunications and data communications networks. While the Fiber Optic Communications course from Purdue University may not be directly relevant for this role, it could provide individuals with a basic understanding of the fundamentals of fiber optic communication. Understanding how optical signals are transmitted and received can be beneficial for installers in troubleshooting and maintaining these networks.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create technical documentation, manuals, and other materials that explain complex technical concepts. While the Fiber Optic Communications course from Purdue University may not be directly relevant for this role, it could provide individuals with a strong foundation in understanding the fundamentals of fiber optic communication. This knowledge can be beneficial for technical writers who need to communicate technical information clearly and effectively to non-technical audiences.
Patent Attorney
Patent Attorneys specialize in the legal aspects of patents, including drafting, filing, and prosecuting patent applications. While the Fiber Optic Communications course from Purdue University may not be directly relevant for this role, it could provide individuals with a basic understanding of the technical concepts behind fiber optic communication technologies. This knowledge can be beneficial for patent attorneys who need to understand and evaluate patents related to these technologies.
Sales Engineer
Sales Engineers provide technical expertise and support to customers in the sales process. While the Fiber Optic Communications course from Purdue University may not be directly relevant for this role, it could provide individuals with a basic understanding of the technical concepts behind fiber optic communication technologies. This knowledge can be beneficial for sales engineers who need to understand and communicate the benefits of these technologies to potential customers.
Purchasing Manager
Purchasing Managers oversee the procurement of goods and services for organizations. While the Fiber Optic Communications course from Purdue University may not be directly relevant for this role, it could provide individuals with a basic understanding of the technical specifications and requirements of fiber optic communication technologies. This knowledge can be beneficial for purchasing managers who need to evaluate and select vendors and negotiate contracts for these technologies.
Quality Assurance Engineer
Quality Assurance Engineers ensure that products and services meet quality standards. While the Fiber Optic Communications course from Purdue University may not be directly relevant for this role, it could provide individuals with a basic understanding of the technical specifications and requirements of fiber optic communication technologies. This knowledge can be beneficial for quality assurance engineers who need to evaluate and test these technologies to ensure they meet quality standards.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. While the Fiber Optic Communications course from Purdue University may not be directly relevant for this role, it could provide individuals with a basic understanding of the technical aspects of fiber optic communication projects. This knowledge can be beneficial for project managers who need to manage and coordinate teams working on these projects.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Fiber Optic Communications.
Comprehensive reference for the principles and practice of optical fiber communications. It good choice for students or professionals who want to learn about the latest advances in optical fiber communications.
Collection of chapters that covers various components and subsystems of optical fiber telecommunications, including fiber optics, lasers, LEDs, detectors, modulators, and optical amplifiers. It comprehensive reference for anyone working in the field of optical communications.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and systems of optical fiber communication. It good choice for students or professionals who want to learn about the latest advances in optical fiber communication.
Provides a practical approach to optical fiber communications. It good choice for students or professionals who want to learn about the latest advances in optical communications.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of optical fiber communication. It good choice for students or professionals who want to learn about the latest advances in optical communications.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the technology of fiber optic communications. It good choice for students or professionals who want to learn about the latest advances in optical communications.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the systems of fiber optic communication. It good choice for students or professionals who want to learn about the latest advances in optical communications.
Provides a complete overview of the field of fiber optic communications. It good choice for students or professionals who want to learn about the latest advances in optical communications.
Provides a clear and concise introduction to the fundamentals of optical communications. It good choice for students or anyone who wants to learn about the basics of optical communications.

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