Course Catalogue

Fibre Optical Communications, Systems and Networks (UESTC) UESTC5014

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Engineering
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course deals with the design of optical fibre communication systems, including component devices, operating principles, operating characteristics, system design methodologies and applications. Both single and multi-mode fibre systems are considered.

Timetable

30 hours of lectures

Requirements of Entry

None

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Final exam 60%

Homework and class assignments 40%

Main Assessment In: December

Course Aims

The course aims to give students a broad understanding of the theory and practice of optical fibre communications systems, covering: fibre modes, optical sources, optical amplifiers, detectors, couplers, and modulators. It aims to introduce students to the design methodologies of practical modern fibre optical systems, subject to realistic limitations (including noise analysis) such that students understand both the design of historical systems and how they might design modern systems themselves.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Summarise the purpose and operation of key components in an optical fibre system, including the principles of electro-optic conversion;

2. Calculate the properties and critical parameters of graded index and step index fibres;

3. Analyse the characteristics of LEDs (including LED modulation in communication systems), semiconductor lasers, and optical amplifiers, and of PN junction and PIN optical detectors;

4. Evaluate the effects of noise, including shot and thermal noise, on realistic optical communication systems;

5. Design practical fibre optical systems, given an industrially relevant brief, to a given power and bandwidth budget.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions