Fiber Optic Communications Course

Offered by PurdueX

Course Description

Welcome to the cutting-edge world of Fiber Optic Communications! This advanced-level course, offered by PurdueX, is designed to immerse you in the fascinating realm of the technology that forms the backbone of our modern internet. Over five intensive weeks, you'll dive deep into the fundamentals of fiber optic systems, exploring everything from the basic principles of wave propagation to the exciting frontiers of quantum-secured communications.

What You Will Learn

  • Wave propagation, dispersion, and loss in optical fibers
  • The intricacies of optical transmitters and receivers, including materials, sources, modulation, and speed limitations
  • Fundamental concepts in optical communication networks, such as power, noise, and speed
  • Current optical communication network architectures, including TDM, DWDM, QPSK, and QAM
  • The future of optical networks, including fiber-to-the-home, data centers, and quantum key distribution

Prerequisites

To get the most out of this course, you should have a solid foundation in the fundamentals of electric and magnetic fields, including electromagnetic waves. This background will ensure you're well-prepared to tackle the advanced concepts we'll be exploring.

Course Content

  • Optical fiber types and properties
  • Wave propagation in fibers
  • Optical transmitters and receivers
  • Laser principles and semiconductor lasers
  • Optical amplifiers and system limitations
  • Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM)
  • Advanced modulation formats
  • Future optical network technologies
  • On-chip interconnects
  • Quantum cryptography and quantum networks

Who This Course Is For

  • Engineering students specializing in electrical, electronic, or communications engineering
  • Professionals working in the telecommunications industry
  • Anyone with a strong interest in advanced communication technologies and the future of the internet

Real-World Applications

  • Design and optimize fiber optic communication systems
  • Work on next-generation internet infrastructure
  • Contribute to the development of high-speed data centers
  • Explore careers in quantum communications and cryptography
  • Innovate in the field of on-chip optical interconnects

Syllabus

Week 1: Optical Fibers
  • Overview and Introduction
  • Fiber Equations and Networking
  • Optical Transmitters
Week 2: Optical Transmitters and Receivers
  • Lasers
  • Semiconductor Lasers
Week 3: Fundamental Concepts in Optical Communications
  • Optical Telecommunications System Limitations
  • Optical Amplifiers
Week 4: Current Optical Communication Network Architecture
  • Wavelength Division Multiplexing
  • Modulation Formats
Week 5: Future Optical Networks
  • Networking Growth
  • On-Chip Interconnects
  • Quantum Cryptography
  • Quantum Networks

This course is part of the edX/Purdue MicroMasters program in Nanoscience and Technology and can also apply toward a Master's Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University. Don't miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of the technology shaping our interconnected world!