Learning objectives
Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course the student will acquire the basic knowledge relating what is photonics and an understanding of what light is, how it interacts with matter, and how light is used in information communication technology. Knowledge of the basic properties and principles of operation a laser. The understanding of the concept of light interference.
Applying knowledge and understanding
Identify whether a ray optics, an electromagnetic wave optics, or a photon optics description is required in a given situation. Understanding how light is transferred at an interface of two materials, and through multilayer films. Describe the propagation of light in an optical fiber in terms of rays and guided modes and calculate the main parameters.
Making judgements
On passing the exam the student will develop the ability to critically evaluate light emission and light guiding in several devices. The ability to analyze data sheets of main optical devices, in order to predict their behavior Communication skills
On passing the exam the student should acquire sufficient language property, at least as regards the technical terminology specific of the course.
Learning skills
Students who take the course will be able to deepen their knowledge in the field of photonics and photonic devices by consulting on their own specialized texts or dissemination journals, even outside of the topics covered closely in class.
Prerequisites
none
Course unit content
Theory:
Introduction to the course.
Introduction to the concept of photon and photonics.
Basic principles of optics.
Photometry.
Why is the sky blue? The Rayleigh scattering
Light sources: black body model, incandescent lamps, gas radiators, LEDS.
Semiconductor materials for optoelectronic devices. LED.
Optical waveguides.
Glass and fiber optic attenuation.
Optical intensity and power.
Loss causes.
Single mode and multimode fibers. Ray description of light propagation in an optical fiber, meridional and skew rays.
Numerical aperture and acceptance cone.
Dispersion in optical fibers.
Telecommunication windows, WDM, DWDM and CWDM systems.
Light matter interaction.
Laser.
Doped-fiber optical amplifiers.
Photoreceivers.
Light interference.
Exercises:
Determination of an optical fiber parameters,
Labs:
Simple experiment to demonstrate in the lab what has been studied during lectures.
Python lab
Full programme
Theory:
Introduction to the course.
Introduction to the concept of photon and photonics.
Basic principles of optics.
Photometry.
Why is the sky blue? The Rayleigh scattering
Light sources: black body model, incandescent lamps, gas radiators, LEDS.
Semiconductor materials for optoelectronic devices. LED.
Optical waveguides.
Glass and fiber optic attenuation.
Optical intensity and power.
Loss causes.
Single mode and multimode fibers. Ray description of light propagation in an optical fiber, meridional and skew rays.
Numerical aperture and acceptance cone.
Dispersion in optical fibers.
Telecommunication windows, WDM, DWDM and CWDM systems.
Light matter interaction.
Laser.
Doped-fiber optical amplifiers.
Photoreceivers.
Light interference.
Lighting in automotive.
Determination of optical fiber parameters,
Bibliography
B. E. A. Saleh and M. C. Teich, Fundamentals of Photonics, second edition (Wiley, 2007). ISBN: 978-0-471-35832-9.
S. Selleri, L. Vincetti, A. Cucinotta, Optical and Photonic Components, Società editrice Esculapio, 2015, ISBN: 978-88-7488-924-2
Teaching methods
Classroom lectures
Assessment methods and criteria
The summative learning assessment is carried out in two stages: 1) a presentation prepared by the student on a topic strictly related to the course and decided in agreement with the professor. In the presentation, the student should demonstrate the understanding of the topic basic principles, the knowledge of the definition and units of measure of all the quantities that are introduced, and to be able to identify the main applications.
2) a final oral exam in order to verify the capacity of correlate the basic knowledge in order to understand the properties and the characteristic of the different photonic devices considered in the lectures.
Other information
It's strongly advised to attend the course.
