Module Details

Module Code: PHYS6022
Title: Photonics and Optics
Long Title: Photonics and Optics
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2020/21 ( September 2020 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4411 - Physics
Module Delivered in: 4 programme(s)
Module Description: This module provides a comprehensive overview of the physical principles and applications of optical sources, detectors and other components, and of optical systems. There is a significant emphasis given (a) to the semiconductor laser diode and (b) to spectroscopic optical systems.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Explain the physical principles and applications of optical devices and components, including sources, detectors and optical fibres;
LO2 Explain the physical principles and applications of the laser, especially semiconductor types;
LO3 Describe and explain the principles and applications of spectroscopic and related optical systems;
LO4 Demonstrate skills and safety in laboratory practice and optical measurements;
LO5 Solve numerical problems associated with optical devices, components and systems.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
None
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Waves and Physical Optics
Wave function, standing waves, beats, Doppler effect; Interference and diffraction in single and multiple slits and in circular apertures. Wave beating, linear and non-linear optical media, heterodyne Diffraction grating. Resolution of optical systems. Polarisation.
Optical Sources: Lasers and LEDs
Source laws, black-body formula. Quantum nature of light. Principle of operation of diode lasers and LEDs Energy states in a quantum well, quantum well lasers, quantum dot lasers; Circuits for laser injection; Applications of lasers in communications systems; Laser safety and categorisation.
Optical Detectors and Devices
Categories of detector, detector performance Principle of operation, analysis and applications of photodiode and infrared detectors Principle of operation, analysis and applications of charge coupled devices and detector arrays. Photodiode circuits and specifications
Spectroscopy
Absorption and emission spectroscopy for chemical analysis. Qualitative and quantitative analysis, Beer-Lambert Law, Block diagram of single and double beam systems for UV-visible and IR; Wavelength dispersion, monochromator mountings. Performance: resolving power, signal-to-noise ratio, energy throughput
Optical Fibres
Propagation in an optical fibre and fibre characteristics; single and multimode fibre types; Dispersion mechanisms, bandwidth; Application of optical fibres in communication links; The Optical Time Domain Reflectometer.
Laboratory Programme
Experiments in laser properties, LEDs, CCDs, spectrometer measurements, Beer's Law, optical fibres, diffraction, interference
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes  
Assessment Description
Laboratory Reports
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes  
Assessment Description
Theory assessment
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes  
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Delivery of module content Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Laboratory experiments Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study and homework Every Week 2.00 2
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 5.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • E. Hecht. (2015), Optics, 5th. [ISBN: 9780133977226].
  • Graham-Smith, Francis, Sir; King, Terry A. (2007), Optics and photonics: an introduction, 2. Wiley, NY, [ISBN: 9780470017845].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • H.D. Young, R.A. Freedman and A. Lewis Ford. (2015), University Physics with Modern Physics, 14. [ISBN: 9781292100401].
  • J.M. Hollas. (2004), Modern Spectroscopy, 4th. Wiley, [ISBN: 0470844167].
  • David L. Andrews. (2015), Photonics: Scientific Foundations, Technology and Application, Set, Wiley, NY, [ISBN: 978111822523].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SESST_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science and Sustainable Technology 4 Mandatory
CR_SINEN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Instrument Engineering 4 Mandatory
CR_SPHYS_7 Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics and Instrumentation 4 Mandatory
CR_SPHYS_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Applied Physics and Instrumentation 4 Mandatory