PC481 -- Fibre Optics Laboratory

Lab Tools and Learning Materials

All of the information for these labs and all of the available electronic resources are on the lab website. I've tried to make it as complete as possible, so that you only have to look in one place for anything relevant to the labs. If you find any other resources that are particularly useful, let me know.

Course Description: Types of fibres. Basic theory: characteristics, numerical aperture, losses, dispersion, modes. Passive fibre devices: couplers, connectors, splices. Light sources: LED, solid and semiconductor lasers. Modulators. Detectors. Systems design.
     
Prerequisites: PC237
     
Lab Instructor: Terry Sturtevant
Office: N2092A
Ext: 2049
Office Hours: by appointment
   
Enrollment: 11  
     
Learning Objectives: By the end of this course, you should be able to:
  • Measure fibre optic cable parameters using standard equipment
  • Calculate various quantities associated with fibre optic cables from measurements
Lab Overview and Approach/Framework: In the lab component of a course most of your learning will happen through your hands-on experiences in the lab.


At the end of this course you will get a detailed, anonymous evaluation to fill out, where you can indicate your opinion on many aspects of the labs. This is one of the most important resources to help me improve the labs each time I teach them.
     
Web Page: http://denethor.wlu.ca/pc481/
     
     
Marking Scheme: 60% Lab Demonstrations & Prelabs

 

40% Short Lab reports
  • for these labs, emphasis will be on uncertainty analysis

General Information

Please read through lab material before coming to each lab.

In case of absence, such as illness, your partner and the lab instructor should be informed as soon as possible. Marks will be taken out for absence with no reasons.

For safety and hygiene reasons, absolutely no food or drinks are allowed in the lab. The lab should be kept tidy at all times. Please read and submit the Laboratory Safety Form.

The Lab Instructor will make alternate arrangements in case of equipment failure, holidays, illness, etc.

Lab work builds upon previous work: if you fall behind, you stay behind, so keep on top of things. If you are taking too much time to do your work, then you didn't understand something, you didn't remember something, or you don't know how to handle a tool. Get help immediately!

Resources

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