Hands-on Active Learning in Fiber Optics Course

This paper describes the development of learning modules of the senior elective course: Introduction to Fiber Optics and the assessment results from the 2012 course offering. Three approaches were incorporated in active learning: design, simulation, and build. Eight lab activities were developed to introduce students to the basic skills of handling optical fibers, characterizing fiber optic components, and analyzing single-channel fiber optic communication systems. Simulation software “OptiPerformer” was used to explore different fiber optic communication systems. Students designed a silica single mode optical fiber to meet the required dispersion properties using MATLAB for their mid-term project. For the final project, a longhaul optical transmission system was designed.