IFO Fiber Optic Minicourse

This short course covers the basics of fiber optic communications and industrial applications. It can be a supplement to other, more general, electronics classes. Course length can be varied from five to ten 1-hour periods plus two 2-hour experimental sessions. The course covers the history of fiber optics, followed by sections describing fiber optic communications systems and their individual components. It includes a list of additional reading references and glossary. Experimental sessions involve students in assembling and testing a fully functional fiber optic digital communication link with separate transmitter and receiver modules. Includes a classroom manual and kit containing all required electronic components (printed wiring boards, fiber optic LED, photodetector, cable). No prior fiber optics experience or special tools are needed for assembly and demonstration.