MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN OPTIC FIBRE AND PHOTONIC ENGINEERING (MOF)
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
- Provide students with advanced knowledge of optical fibre and photonic technologies.
- Give students the opportunity to work in a research-led environment using state-of-the-art facilities.
- Gain specialist knowledge of technologies that harness the power of light, such as lasers and optical fibres.
- Develop research skills applicable to a career in research and development.
- Stimulate interest in the subject using a variety of teaching and learning methods
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Prospective students must hold at least a second class first degree in Physics, Applied Physics or any other material science related degree from any university recognized by Midlands State University.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION
Employability
Fiber Optics Engineer, Optical Scientist, Laser Systems Engineer, Electro Optical Engineer, Optomechanical Engineer, Optical Fabricator, System Engineer, system designer, research and design scientists, researchers in industry and academia.
4.2 Further Studies
Doctoral studies in Opto-Mechatronics Engineering, Quantum Optics and Optoelectronics, Laser, Photonics and Vision, Signal and Information processing, Optics and Photonics, Fibre Telecommunications, Physics, material science, semiconductor Physics, nanotechnology or related areas.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Level 1 Semester 1
| Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MOF731 | Advanced Quantum Mechanics* | 24 |
| MOF732 | Optics and Photonics* | 24 |
| MOF733 | Optical Communication Systems* | 24 |
| MOF734 | Optical Fibre Sensors* | 24 |
Level 1 Semester 2
| Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MOF735 | Lasers Physics and Applications | 24 |
| MOF736 | Optical Engineering* | 24 |
| MOF737 | Ultrafast Physics & Plasmas* | 24 |
| MOF738 | Advanced Research Methods* | 24 |
Level 2 Semester 1 (Choose any three modules)
| Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MOF831 | Laboratory and Study Skills | 24 |
| MOF832 | Fabrication and Characterization of Optoelectronic Devices | 24 |
| MOF833 | Nano-Optics | 24 |
| MOF834 | Optical Systems in Medicine and Life Science | 24 |
| MOF835 | Advanced Digital Signal Processing | 24 |
Level 2 Semester 2
| Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MO840 | Dissertation* | 96 |
SYNOPSES
MOF731 Advanced Quantum Mechanics
A study of quantum mechanics including combination of two or more quantum mechanical systems, addition of angular momentum, time independent perturbation theory, and time dependent perturbation theory.
MOF732 Optics and Photonics
Wave optics, physical optics and introductory laser physics. Wave optics content: solutions of the wave equation, including Hermite-Gaussian laser modes, optical cavities, Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction integrals; Laser Amplifiers, Semiconductor photon source, Electro-optics, Semiconductor photon detectors
MOF733 Optical Communication Systems
Introduction to Network types, Network architectures, Basic network types, Long-haul transmission systems, Metropolitan-area networks, Local-area networks. Basic characteristics of Fibres; Linear impairments, Dispersion, Polarization. Passive and Active components, Multiplexing and Modulation, spectrally efficient formats. Direct detection vs. differential detection & Coherent receivers. The module provides knowledge about optical networks and systems with applications ranging from photonic interconnects, to fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), optical metro and long-haul networks, and automotive and industrial automation. The role of various network layers will be discussed in conjunction with relevant standards and protocols. Physical-layer specifications of relevant photonic components and system design trade-offs will be introduced.
Systems considerations in communication systems, Capacity of a transmission system, Capacity limits in fibre systems, Performance evaluation, Noise in transmission, Control of optical nonlinearities, Exploiting fibre nonlinearities and the role of electronic digital signal processing
MOF734 Optical Fibre Sensors
Governing standards for sensing systems. Optical sensing principles (temperature, strain, stress, pressure, refractive index, etc.). Fibre types and materials for optical fibre sensing (silica based, polymer based, etc.).
Point sensors (Fibre Bragg gratings, long period gratings, and microfibres/nanowires). Design, fabrication and characterisation of point sensors. Distributed sensors (Brillouin scattering based, Raman scattering based, Rayleigh scattering based).
Design, fabrication and characterisation of distributed sensors. Fibre gyroscopes. Fibre based gas and chemical sensors. Optical fibre sensors for extreme and harsh environments (high temperature and strain, shock, high radiation).
Principles and application of optical fibre sensors in medicine and life sciences. Principles and application of optical sensors in oil and gas exploration. Principles and application of optical sensors in civil engineering, e.g., structural monitoring and aircraft navigation.
MOF735 Lasers Physics and Applications
The principles of laser operation will be discussed, with reference to commonly used laser systems. The course provides knowledge of the laser as a fundamental tool of contemporary science and technology. The course will give a detailed and mathematical introduction to gain media, laser cavities, Gaussian beams, and their combination into many forms of laser.
- Properties of coherent light: temporal and spatial coherence, beam propagation
- Interaction of light and matter: spontaneous & stimulated emission, cross-sections & rate equations
- Gaussian beam optics, optical resonators, cavity stability
- Generation of coherent light: energy storage, resonator modes, laser threshold
- Laser dynamics: steady state and transient behaviour, relaxation oscillations, Q-switching, mode locking
- Practical laser systems:
- Ultra-fast lasers, properties of ultra-fast pulses, X-ray and attosecond pulses
MOF736 Optical Engineering
The course focuses on the practical aspects of designing optical components and instruments such as lenses, microscopes, optical sensors and measurement systems, and optical disc systems (e.g. CD, DVD, HVD). The course explains the layout of modern optical systems and gives an overview over available technology, materials, costs, design methods, as well as optical design software.
MOF737 Ultrafast Physics & Plasmas
The course provides an introduction to laser-plasma interaction, in particular with very high power and ultrashort pulses, and the resulting applications in radiation sources from the terahertz to the X-ray region, laser fusion and laser-based particle acceleration.
MOF737 Advanced Research Methods
Research ethics, concept of research, defining research problem, problem identification, delimiting the research problem. Choosing a project: project styles and research methodologies; fitting a project to researcher’s interests, ambitions and capabilities; some characteristics of excellent projects. Preparing a project synopsis: aims and objectives; deliverables; added value. Finding relevant literature: available resources and tools; primary and secondary sources; Writing research papers: planning the structure of your paper; framing the question; writing styles; tools and resources; citing and referencing; avoiding plagiarism; proofreading and corrections. Evaluating project outcomes: critical analysis; scope and limitations; evaluation styles: experimental, analytical, unit-testing, user analysis.
MOF831 Laboratory and study skills
In the Laboratory part students will carry out a selection of experiments from the list below and make a short presentation on one of the experiments.
Fibre optics and optical waveguiding, Semiconductor pn junctions, Experimental Neodymium YAG Laser, Electro-Optic Effect and Modulation of Laser Light, Optical spectroscopy, Laser modes and speed of light, Fluorescence of laser glasses or Diode Lasers.
MOF832 Fabrication and Characterisation of Optoelectronic Devices
The students build knowledge on process technology for the fabrication of a range of optoelectronic devices, including LEDs, solar cells, laser diodes, photodiodes, etc. They learn to compare the advantages of different technological approaches, including their economic boundary conditions. This is a technological-based course where students will use their prior fundamental knowledge to gain a firm grasp on the fabrication sequences and characterisation (optical, electrical, electronic, materials) steps that are required to realise the above devices.
MOF833 Nano-Optics
This module will focus on general concepts and device developments in the rapidly evolving field of nanoscale optics and photonics. Topics covered include; nano-scale and near-field optics, near-field optical probes, quantum confined materials, plasmonics. Nanophotonic devices to be discussed include: photonic crystals, nanolasers, single-photon sources, nanostructured solar cells and sensors
MOF834 Optical Systems in Medicine and Life Science
The basic optical and optoelectronic principles are applied in the design of modern medical devices and routine diagnostic equipment. Some examples of optical applications that may be covered are imaging, spectroscopy, illumination, adaptive optics, communication, detection and metrology especially in Medicine and Life Science. These systems will be used to teach fundamentals of systems engineering, optical system design, quantifying performance for optical systems, specification of optical components and professional engineering skills.
MOF835 Advanced Digital Signal and Image Processing
Introduction to the signal and image processing techniques, including analogue and digital filter design; FIR, IIR etc. Study of transform domain with particular focus on FFT and STFT and their applications. Concepts of statistical signal processing: estimation and detection theories. Development of: Optimal DSP programs, Real-time DSP algorithms for communications applications, Analysis of DSP device architectures and interfacing with DSP microprocessors, General purpose processors, Digital Signal processors, Modern FPGA architectures and their configuration process, Implementation of hardware designs in FPGA devices, C/C++ programming for hardware design, Comparison of FPGA and DSP features. Introduction to data compression and array processing. Introduction to Digital Image, Digital Image Processing System, Sampling and Quantization, Representation of Digital Image, Connectivity, and Image File Formats: BMP, TIFF and JPEG. Gray Level Transformations, Zero Memory Point Operations, Histogram Processing, Histogram equalization. Neighbourhood Processing, Spatial Filtering, Smoothing and Sharpening Filters, and Median Filter.
MOF840 Dissertation
The module provides students with the opportunity to design, undertake or conduct an independent piece of research of study related to their programme of study under the guidance of a supervisor who is usually a member of the academic staff of the department. Runs over two semesters: Regular report backs to the departmental board by the supervisor. The project is continually assessed throughout two semesters. A student undertakes a viva for the project.
MIP838 Nuclear Metrology
Introduction to radiation metrology, Calibration standards, Liquid scintillation counter
Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials,
Nuclear data: Why is it important: How to measure it: Where to get data from:
Nuclear forensics, Primary standards, Quality assurance, Radiochemical separation, Radiochemistry, Reference materials, Source preparation, Uncertainties.
MIP839 Radiation Laboratory
A range of experiments designed to provide familiarity with the full set of radiation detector systems, including alpha and beta particle detection, X- and gamma-ray spectroscopy and neutron detection.
MIP840 Nondestructive Testing
Radiography: Principle of radiography, types of radiography, equipment for neutron radiography, x-ray radiography, equipment for x-ray radiography, advantages and applications of fluoroscopy and photo fluoroscopy
Electromagnetic methods: Principle of electromagnetic testing, mathematical analysis, flaw detection in conductors, various types of instruments used and advantages of various electromagnetic methods for crack detection etc.
Ultrasonic methods: Principle of ultrasonic testing, generation of ultrasonic waves, equipment details for ultrasonic checking, methods of wave propagation, methods of flaw detection, various methods of ultrasonic testing, advantages of ultrasonic methods for flaw detection and crack location
Holography: Principle of holography, method of holographic recording, method of holographic reconstruction, advantages of this technique and applications of holographic methods for non-destructive testing.
Liquid penetrant testing: Principle of liquid penetrates testing, types of dyes and penetrants used in this testing technique and application of liquids for detecting sub-surface defects.
Magnetic particle testing: Principles of magnetic particle testing, details of equipment used and methods of crack detection by magnetic particle testing Hardness testing: Brinnel hardness testing, Rockwell hardness tests, shore hardness testing, Vicker hardness testing and theory behind various hardness testing methods.
MIP841 Industrial Electronics
Introduction to various electronic components and systems used in modern industry. Operational amplifier principles and applications include comparators (zero and non-zero crossing detectors), voltage followers, and inverting and non-inverting amplifiers. Subtraction, summing (mixer), difference and compound amplifiers and active filters. Operational amplifiers circuits are configured to make up complex analog circuits. Examples of these include the temperature controller and the pulse width modulation technique of DC motor speed control. The importance of digital computers used in modern industrial processes is stressed. Thyristors, photosensitive devices, optically coupled devices, and timer control circuits and various transducers are introduced.
MIP842 Computer Interfacing
Introduction to basic concepts and techniques for interfacing a micro-controller to external devices for data collection and process control and developing the related software required. Transfer and converting analog variables into the digital form needed for processing for data acquisition and real-time control systems, design and construct simple control, data logging system incorporating input/output to and from external devices and design simple control system for stepper and DC motor.
MIP843 Advanced Embedded Systems
Characteristics of embedded computing applications and challenges in advanced embedded computing system design
. The embedded system design process
. Processor architectures
. Instruction sets, processor and System on Chip architectures
. Hardware and Software System design and analysis techniques
. Processes and operating systems
. Embedded communication architectures and multiprocessing
. System design methodologies
. Various embedded systems will be examined as case studies
MIP844 Advanced Digital Signal and Image Processing
Introduction to the signal and image processing techniques, including analogue and digital filter design; FIR, IIR etc. Study of transform domain with particular focus on FFT and STFT and their applications. Concepts of statistical signal processing: estimation and detection theories. Development of: Optimal DSP programs, Real-time DSP algorithms for communications applications, Analysis of DSP device architectures and interfacing with DSP microprocessors, General purpose processors, Digital Signal processors, Modern FPGA architectures and their configuration process, Implementation of hardware designs in FPGA devices, C/C++ programming for hardware design, Comparison of FPGA and DSP features. Introduction to data compression and array processing. Introduction to Digital Image, Digital Image Processing System, Sampling and Quantization, Representation of Digital Image, Connectivity, and Image File Formats: BMP, TIFF and JPEG. Gray Level Transformations, Zero Memory Point Operations, Histogram Processing, Histogram equalization. Neighbourhood Processing, Spatial Filtering, Smoothing and Sharpening Filters, and Median Filter.
MIP845 Renewable Energies
This course provides an introduction to the principles of renewable energy. The course covers different types of renewable and alternative energy sources, and discuss their basic principles of operation, achievable efficiency, cost, and their effect on the environment. The impact of the new energy technologies on the environment, obstacles to their wide implementation in industrial and consumer applications, and the role of social attitudes and government planning, financial investments and incentives are also introduced.
MIP846 Low Carbon Energy Solutions
This course explores the challenges associated with climate change, energy and environmental policies from multiple perspectives, disciplines and scales. Students will examine the evolving science and policy of climate change, observe the conflicts between energy companies and other interest, discuss technology innovations and its impact on reducing greenhouse gases emission. Parallel to that, local energy and environmental policies will be scrutinized in a context of global politics. Through various case studies, students are encouraged to grasp the nature of national development strategies and the risks and challenges the country is facing in implementing its “green policies”.
MIP847 Solar Cell Technology
Photovoltaic Systems: Technology of photovoltaic systems, approaches for measuring the performance of individual systems under real operating conditions. different approaches used in system level modelling, tools to perform real analyses. Cell, module and system performance. The implications of latitude, shading, temperature, and system geometry. models for diffuse vs direct sunlight. Physical and statistical approaches to system modelling, data from real PV systems. Solar Cell Laboratory: measure and characterize solar cell performance and solar cell materials using standard research laboratory techniques e.g. measuring solar cell efficiency, characterisation of degradation rates, measuring irradiance and light spectrum, and using a cryostat to determine operating characteristics at low temperatures. Fabrication of thin film solar cells and the characterization of photovoltaic materials using photoluminescence and absorption spectroscopy. assembling a silicon photovoltaic module and measure its performance in outdoor conditions Innovation in Solar Energy: innovation process. history of innovation in solar photovoltaics up to modern day markets and systems. Innovation and business idea proposal, reviewed and critiqued by peers and academic supervisors along with external industry experts. Low Carbon Energy, Science and Technology: The need for various different technologies that can help to meet the world’s energy needs without releasing large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. Various different technologies will be introduced and a select number will be studied in more detail. make a reasoned comparison between the different low carbon technologies backed by sound scientific understanding of their limitations and advantages.
MIP848 Nanotechnology in Energy Conversion and Storage
This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the contributions and potential contributions of advances in nanotechnology to various sustainable energy production/conversion, storage and utilization technologies. Students will be introduced to solar, hydrogen, new generation of batteries and supercapacitors as the most significant contributions of nanotechnology to the energy sector.
MIP849 Interfacing clean energy systems
The unit introduces technology which sits between the energy generation device (solar cell, turbine etc.) and the distribution system and includes interfacing to high-efficiency loads. The unit will give an overview of the structure, function and applications of electrical energy conversion systems, allowing students to select technology and undertake top level design and performance calculations.
Power Electronic Converters
Three main classes of power electronic converter (AC/AC, DC/DC, AC/DC); components, operational principles and steady-state characteristics, limitations, efficiency, control of systems; system modelling.
Electromechanical Energy Conversion
Motor, generator and actuator technologies, characteristics and efficiency; generator, drive and actuator control and optimisation; effect of typical end-user applications, including electric vehicles.
Energy Interfacing
Interfacing to renewable energy sources; interfacing to cleaner technologies; full-system energy flows to/from supply and to/from loads; selection of technologies and configurations; system modelling and control; case studies of energy efficiency enhancement; energy storage, system reliability and condition monitoring.
MIP850 Dissertation
The module provides students with an opportunity to design, undertake or conduct an independent piece of research of study related to their programme of study under the guidance of a supervisor who is usually a member of the academic staff of the department. Runs over two semesters: Regular report backs to the departmental board by the supervisor. The project is continually assessed throughout two semesters. A student undertakes a viva for the project.