Understanding Optical Sources in Fiber-Optic Communication

‘Understanding Optical Sources in Fiber Optic Communication’ is a free online course that seeks to enlighten learners on how optical sources in fibre-optic communication works. In optical communications, there is a device that converts an electrical signal into an optical signal. For fibre-optics with glass fibres, light in the infrared region is used because the contracting of the fibre is far less at those wavelengths. In the course, you will discover the different optical sources used, specifically light-emitting diodes (LED) and laser diodes. An LED is a directional light source with the maximum emitted power in the direction perpendicular to the emitting surface. A semiconductor device, similar to a light-emitting diode in which a diode-pumped directly with electrical current can create lasing conditions at the diode's junction, will be discussed. Laser diodes are the most common type of lasers produced, with a wide range of uses that include fibre-optic communications, barcode readers, laser pointers and light beam illumination.

Next, you will compare the major difference between lasers and LEDs. Lasers are more powerful, operate at faster speeds and can also transmit light farther with fewer errors. However, a laser is also far more expensive than LEDs. You will go on to learn about the modulation bandwidth of LEDs and what limits their bandwidth. You will also study how efficiently a device converts electrons to photons and allows them to escape, otherwise known as ‘external quantum efficiency’. This course gives you an understanding of the processes that take place between devices to enable optical communication to be successful. Fibre-optic cables work by applying the basic principles of reflection and refraction. When light strikes a shiny or mirrored object, it bounces. When light travels between two substances that are of different thickness or density, it refracts, depending on the angle at which it strikes the substance. At a certain angle, light no longer travels between the substances but reflects into the original substance altogether. The boundary now acts as a mirror, keeping the light inside. This is called ‘total internal reflection’’ and is the foundation of fibre-optic technology.

Fibre-optic cables have changed the world in many ways. You may have seen plastic fibres carrying coloured lights in decorative applications. You might not know that the unique properties of fibre-optic technology have allowed medical personnel to see places in the human body with greater ease and comfort to the patient, or that real glass fibre-optic cables are now the foundation of our communication and computer network systems. Many thousands of kilometres of installed fibre-optic cables carry different types of information underground, through tunnels, building walls, ceilings and many other places. Humanity enjoys the everyday benefits of optical communication when watching favourite shows, calling a friend via video call or even sitting around a computer or on a phone doing this course - all examples of optical communication. We are in a modernised era where technological development is increasing every day. Everything we have achieved so far is impressive and was unimaginable to earlier generations. What is yet to be achieved we cannot possibly fathom. Do you want to be a part of this exciting opportunity in an ever-changing world? Start this course today and take a step into this compelling world!