Module PHYS4171: PHOTONICS

Department: PHYSICS

PHYS4171: PHOTONICS

Prerequisites

• Foundations of Physics 3 (PHYS3522).

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• This module is designed primarily for students studying Department of Physics or Natural Sciences degree programmes.
• It builds on the Level 3 module Foundations of Physics 3 (PHYS3522) and provides a working knowledge of modern optical principles used to transmit terrestrial signals from person to person and to carry information on extra-galactic objects to astronomers at an advanced level appropriate to Level 4 physics students.

Content

• The syllabus contains:
• Astronomical Optics: Fundamentals of imaging. PSFs & MTFs, Sampling theorem. Coronagraphy. Effects on the transmission of light through the atmosphere. Wavefront sensing, correction and control. Laser guide stars. Limits of adaptive optics. Results from adaptive optics. Commercial and medical applications Polarization of starlight. Stokes parameters and Muller matrices. Radio astronomy. Coherent detection. Michelson's stellar interferometer. The Van Cittert Zernike theorem.
• Integrated Photonics: Plane wave optical fields and the evanescent field at optical interfaces. Slab (1-D) waveguides. Confinement of light and quantised propagation as modes. 2-D waveguides: channel confinement, power propagation. Models for 2-D mode analysis. Coupled modes. Photonic waveguide devices. Power splitter/combiner, directional coupler, waveguide filter, interferometer, active optical switches, external high bandwidth electro-optic modulators. Wavelength division multiplexing.
• Non-linear Optics: Origins of non-linear polarisation responses to high intensity optical fields. Frequency mixing and frequency conversion processes. Non-linear refractive index and the operation of devices using the intensity-dependent index.

Learning Outcomes

• Having studied this module students will be aware of the principles, design features and use of a range of astronomical instrumentation and observation techniques.
• They will be able to apply fundamental electromagnetic theories to explain the operation of a number of key telecommunications components.

• In addition to the aqusition of subject knowledge, students will be able to apply knowledge of specialist topics in physics to the solution of advanced problems.
• They will know how to produce a well-structured solution, with clearly-explained reasoning and appropriate presentation.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Teaching will be by lectures and learning support sessions.
• The lectures provide the means to give a concise, focused presentation of the subject matter of the module.
• The lecture material will be explicitly linked to the contents of recommended textbooks for the module, thus making clear where students can begin private study.
• When appropriate, lectures will also be supported by the distribution of written material, or by information and relevant links on DUO.
• Regular problem exercises will give students the chance to develop their theoretical understanding and problem solving skills.
• Students will be able to obtain further help in their studies by approaching their lecturers, either after lectures or at mutually convenient times.
• Student performance will be summatively assessed through an examination and regular problem exercises.
• The examination and problem exercises will provide the means for students to demonstrate the acqusition of subject knowledge and the development of their problem- solving skills.
• The problem exercises and learning support sessions provide opportunities for feedback, for students to gauge their progress and for staff to monitor progress throughout the duration of the module.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Learning support sessions and problems solved therein.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University