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ECE 4134 - Photonics (3C)

Course Description

Fundamental concepts in photonics technology. Basic principles of optical fibers and components such as Bragg gratings, amplifiers, couplers and modulators used in optical communications and sensing. Propagation, dispersion, bandwidth and nonlinear properties of optical signals in optical waveguides and fibers.

Why take this course?

The skills acquired in this course are needed for employment in optical communications, optical sensing, optoelectronics, and emerging areas in nanoscience and engineering.

Learning Objectives

  • " Calculate the propagation and dispersion constants of guided modes in optical fibers using linearly polarized mode theory.
  • " Calculate the number and the spatial profiles of guided modes, numerical aperture and nonlinear optical properties of optical waveguides and fibers.
  • " Calculate the reflection and transmission of optical signals through optical components such as Bragg gratings for applications in optical communications and sensing.
  • " Analyze the operation and the bandwidth of optical components such as couplers, amplifiers and modulators in an optical network.

    • Resources & Links

    Two-Semester Major Design Experience

    ECE’s two-semester Major Design Experience (ECE 4805-4806) provides teams of students with simulations of the post-college world via projects specified and directed by industry partners. For more information, contact class instructor, Dr. Joe Adams.

    Textbook List

    Take a look at the Fall 2024 ECE textbook list.
    Take a look at the Spring 2025 ECE textbook list.

    Current Prerequisites & Course Offering

    For current prerequisites for a particular course, and to view course offerings for a particular semester, see the Virginia Tech Course Timetables

    ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission

    The B.S. degree in electrical engineering and the B.S. degree in computer engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

    Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) & Student Outcomes (SOs)