This unit deals with both optoelectronic systems and some key optoelectronic devices. The central element of many optoelectronic systems is the semiconductor-diode laser. In the first half of the unit, the theoretical basis of the operation, design and practical uses of such lasers is developed. Topics include bandtails, homojunction and heterojunction structures, and quantum-well lasers (top-down nanotechnology); also coupling and modulation, single-mode and single-frequency semiconductor laser operation and arrays. The non-linear optical behaviour of semiconductor materials and LiNbO3 waveguide technology leads to further applications. Integrated optics, photonic integrated circuits and optoelectronic integrated circuits are described.
In the second half of the unit, a range of optoelectronic systems will be described, including fibre communication systems, optical data storage, remote sensing, and systems for manufacturing industry; also non-linear optical properties of optical fibre, soliton propagation, detection and noise, packaging, materials and optomechanical design. To broaden their background, students will individually research further optoelectronic systems for a technology profile and presentation in a student seminar to the class. A modern, well-equipped laboratory offers experiments involving lasers, fibre systems, fibre gyroscopes, scanning tunnelling microscopy and computer modelling of laser behaviour.
Note that OPTO301 will be last offered in 2008.
