• information transmitted on optical carriers in free space
• interference in multimode fiber optical links
• loss characterization of fiber optical links
• signal integrity in fiber optic transmission via bit error rate
• optical circuit compatible optical source
• optical circuit compatible detectors/receivers

1. Free space propagation laboratory
   The free space link is the one that is the oldest and the one that seems most intuitive. This laboratory will use a free space fiber link to transmit acoustical data. One person might say that the link is similar to Alexander Graham Bell's 1880 photo-phone with the exception of the laser carrier while another might say it is more similar to a laser based spy apparatus for eaves-dropping conversations from window vibrations. We prefer the first interpretation.
2. Laboratory on guided wave Interference effects
   One always believes that the cleaner the signal, the cleaner the transmission. Speckle is a serious problem in imaging as well as in guided wave links. Coherent sources are clean in that the spectrum looks quite stable and narrow on an optical spectrum analyzer but illumination is randomly when reflected off a surface and displayed on a screen. The statistical nature of the modal noise problem makes the measurement and analysis involved in this laboratory the type that can only be studied using the techniques of automated data taking.
3. Loss characterization of fiber optic links laboratory
   Telecommunications equipment is expensive and because of that the components are closely sheathed in complex packaging. By using inexpensive sources, detectors and plastic fibers, students can see the problems of high speed links in links that are practical and can be used for all types of everyday low cost applications such as those of biomedical monitoring. Dispersion of optical information signals laboratory. One of the truisms that predicated the digital revolution is that digital coding allows for signal regeneration and analog transmission does not. A prime reason why one needs to regenerate signals is that signals with shapes disperse when propagating. One need not use multi gigabit transmission in order to see the effects of signal distortion. Plastic fibers with inexpensive components are sufficient to evidence these dispersive effects even at MHz rates.
4. Optical sources laboratory
   Lamps (and/or other thermal sources) light emitting diodes (LEDs) and laser diodes are all interesting and very different types of sources. In this lab, students will compare these sources for salient and not so salient characteristics. Blackbody radiation is ubiquitous and must be removed in order that one can see non thermal radiation as may be characterized by lines described by the Townes-Schalow formula.
5. Optical detectors/receivers laboratory
   Noise is everywhere around us but is no place more obvious than in an optical receiver. By varying optical power levels, it is possible to see quantum noise, thermal noise, modal noise and other types that we don't even know how to name. These noise sources are ideally suited to study by the techniques of automated data acquisition as is the technique of bit error rate counting.
6. An optical project
   Any course should include a segment, preferably one of significant length, that allows the student to show some creativity in using what he/she is trying to pick up by doing all of this work. This is the course segment for that purpose.

Required