Introduction to

Optics and
Optical Com-
munication
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.)
Introduction to Optics and Optical
Outline
Communication
Introduction
Historical Overview
of Optical
Communication
Evolution of OFC
Eyob Mersha (M.Sc.)
Need for Fiber-Optic
Communications
Optical
Communication
Haramaya University
Systems
Lightwave
Component Systems
Haramaya Institute of Technology
Optical Transmitters
Optical Fiber School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Communication
Channel
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber
June 17, 2020
communication
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
communication
 Outline

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com-
Introduction
munication
Historical Overview of Optical Communication
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.)
Evolution of Optical Fiber Communication
Need for Optical Fiber Communication
Outline
Optical Communication Systems
Introduction
Historical Overview
of Optical
Lightwave Component Systems
Communication
Evolution of OFC Optical Transmitter
Need for Fiber-Optic
Communications Optical Channel
Optical
Communication Optical Receiver
Systems
Lightwave
Component Systems Advantage of Optical Communication
Optical Transmitters
Optical Fiber
Communication
Disadvantage of Optical Communication
Channel
Optical Receivers Areas of Application
Advantages of
optical fiber
communication
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
communication
 Introduction

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com-
munication Communication may be broadly defined as the transfer
Eyob Mersha of information from one point to another,whether sepa-
(M.Sc.)
rated by a few kilometers or transoceanic distances.
Outline Fiber-optic communication systems are lightwave sys-
Introduction tems that employ optical fibers for information transmis-
Historical Overview
of Optical sion
Communication
Evolution of OFC Use high carrier frequencies (∼ 100 THz) in the visible
Need for Fiber-Optic
Communications or near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Optical
Communication Sometimes called lightwave systems to distinguish them
Systems
Lightwave from microwave systems,
Component Systems
Optical Transmitters It has been deployed worldwide since 1980 and have
Optical Fiber
Communication revolutionized the field of telecommunications.
Channel
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber
communication
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
communication
 Introduction

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com- An optical Fiber is a thin, flexible, transparent Fiber that
munication
acts as a waveguide, or"light pipe", to transmit light be-
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.) tween the two ends of the Fiber.
Outline
Optical fibers are widely used in Fiber-optic communica-
Introduction tions, which permits transmission over longer distances
Historical Overview
of Optical and at higher bandwidths (data rates) than other forms
Communication
Evolution of OFC of communication.
Need for Fiber-Optic
Communications
Optical Fibers are used instead of metal wires because signals
Communication
Systems
Lightwave
travel along them with less loss and are also immune to
Component Systems
Optical Transmitters
electromagnetic interference
Optical Fiber
Communication
Channel
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber
communication
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
communication
 Historical Overview of Optical Communication

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com- Most civilizations have used mirrors, fire beacons, or
munication
smoke signals to convey a single piece of information
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.) The first "optical telegraph" was put in service between
Outline
Paris and Lille (two French cities about 200 km apart) in
Introduction July 1794.
Historical Overview
of Optical
Communication
It is now more than 45 years since optical fiber commu-
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic
nications came into use
Communications
Optical
Communication
The first optical fiber was produced in the early 1970s by
Systems
Lightwave Maurer and Keck; it was the multi-mode type and excited
Component Systems
Optical Transmitters by sources of wavelength in the visible region
Optical Fiber
Communication
Channel
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber
communication
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
communication
 Historical Overview of Optical Communication

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com-
The enormous progress realized over the 25-year pe-
munication riod extending from 1975 to 2000 can be grouped into
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.)
several distinct generations.
The straight line corresponds to a doubling of the BL
Outline
product every year.
Introduction
Historical Overview
of Optical
Communication
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic
Communications
Optical
Communication
Systems
Lightwave
Component Systems
Optical Transmitters
Optical Fiber
Communication
Channel
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber
communication
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
communication
 Evolution of OFC

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com-
munication In 1964 critical theoretical First generation
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.)
suggestion by, Charles K. (i) Bit rate : 45 Mb/s
Kao and Charles Hockam :
Outline
(ii) Repeater spacing : 10
Introduction
km
Historical Overview
of Optical
Communication
(iii) operation wavelength:
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic
near 0.8 µm
Communications
Optical
Communication
(iv) Semiconductor : GaAs
Systems
Lightwave
Component Systems
Optical Transmitters
Optical Fiber
Communication
Channel
Figure: Charles K. Kao
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber
communication
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
communication
 Evolution of OFC

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com-
Second generation
munication
(i) Bit rate: 100 Mb/s to 1.7 Gb/s
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.) (ii) Repeater spacing: 50 km
Outline (iii) Operation wavelength: 1.3 µm
Introduction
Historical Overview
(iv) Semiconductor: In GaAsP
of Optical
Communication
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic
Communications Third generation
Optical
Communication
Systems (i) Bit rate : 10 Gb/s
Lightwave
Component Systems
Optical Transmitters
(ii) Repeater spacing: 100 km
Optical Fiber
Communication
Channel
(iii) Operating wavelength: 1.55 µm
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber
communication
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
communication
 Evolution of OFC

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com-
Fourth generation
munication
(i) Fourth generation uses WDM technique.
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.) (ii) Bit rate: 10 Tb/s
Outline (iii) Repeater spacing: > 10,000 km
Introduction
Historical Overview
(iv) Operating wavelength: 1.45 to 1.62 µm
of Optical
Communication
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic
Fifth generation
Communications
Optical
Communication
(i) Uses Raman amplification technique and optical soli-
Systems
Lightwave
tiors.
Component Systems
Optical Transmitters
Optical Fiber
(ii) Bit rate: 40 - 160 Gb/s
Communication
Channel
Optical Receivers
(iii) Repeater spacing: 24000 km - 35000 km
Advantages of
optical fiber (iv) Operating wavelength: 1.53 to 1.57 µm
communication
Disadvantages of
optical fiber (v) Focus on increasing the spectral efficiency of WDM sys-
communication
tems.
 Need for Fiber-Optic Communications

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com- Requirement of large bandwidth to support the ever in-
munication
creasing demand in telecommunication
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.) The need for few repeater
Outline The need to reduce loss and increase reliability
Introduction
Historical Overview
The need for trans-continental fast communication sys-
of Optical
Communication tem
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic
Communications
Optical
Communication
Systems
Lightwave
Component Systems
Optical Transmitters
Optical Fiber
Communication
Channel
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber
communication
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
communication
 Optical Communication Systems

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com- An optical fiber communication system is similar in basic
munication
concept to any type of communication system.
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.)

Outline

Introduction
Historical Overview
of Optical
Communication
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic
Communications
Optical
Communication
Systems
Lightwave
Component Systems
Optical Transmitters
Optical Fiber
Communication
Channel
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber
Figure: a)The general communication system.b)The optical
communication
Disadvantages of
fiber communication system
optical fiber
communication
 Optical Communication Systems

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com-
munication
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.)

Outline

Introduction
Historical Overview
of Optical
Communication Figure: A digital optical fiber link using a semiconductor laser
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic source and an avalanche photodiode (APD) detector
Communications
Optical
Communication
Systems
Lightwave
Component Systems
- Exercise:Compare and contrast Optical communication
Optical Transmitters
Optical Fiber
system and Microwave communication system
Communication
Channel
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber
communication
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
communication
Introduction to
Optics and v Short-haul telecommunication
Optical Com-
munication applications cover intracity and local-loop traffic.
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.) Operate at low bit rates over distances of less than 50
km.
Outline

Introduction Use of single-channel lightwave systems for such appli-

Historical Overview
of Optical
Communication
cations is not very cost-effective.
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic
Communications
Optical
Communication
v Long-haul telecommunication
Systems
Lightwave
Component Systems
systems cover long distance terrestrial or transoceanic
Optical Transmitters including continental intercontinental communication.
Optical Fiber
Communication
Channel Require high-capacity trunk lines and capable of operat-
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber
ing at higher bit rates and
communication
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
Periodic regeneration of the optical signal by using re-
communication
peaters is required
 Lightwave Component Systems

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com-
v Basic block diagram of optical fiber communication
munication system consists of following three important components;
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.) 1 OPtical Transmitter
Outline
2 Optical Fiber Communication Channel
Introduction 3 Optical Receiver(detector).
Historical Overview
of Optical
Communication
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic
Communications
Optical
Communication
Systems
Lightwave
Component Systems
Optical Transmitters
Optical Fiber
Communication Figure: A generic optical communication system
Channel
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber
communication
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
communication
 Optical Transmitters

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com- Its role is to convert the electrical signal into optical form
munication
and to launch the resulting optical signal into the optical
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.) fiber.
Outline
It consists of an source, a modulator, and a channel cou-
Introduction pler.
Historical Overview
of Optical
Communication
Semiconductor lasers or light-emitting diodes(LED) are
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic
used as optical sources because of their compatibility
Communications
Optical with the optical-fiber
Communication
Systems
Lightwave The optical signal is generated by modulating the optical
Component Systems
Optical Transmitters carrier wave.
Optical Fiber
Communication
Channel The coupler is typically a microlens that focuses the op-
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber
tical signal onto the entrance plane of an optical fiber
communication
Disadvantages of
with the maximum possible efficiency.
optical fiber
communication
 Optical Transmitters

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com-
munication
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.)

Outline

Introduction
Historical Overview
of Optical
Communication
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic Figure: Components of an optical transmitter.
Communications
Optical
Communication
Systems
Lightwave
Component Systems
The launched power is an important design parameter.
Optical Transmitters
Optical Fiber
Increasing launched power increases the amplifier (or
Communication
Channel repeater) spacing.
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber
The general definition is
communication
Disadvantages of
(Power /1mW )
optical fiber
communication power (dBm) = 10 log10 (1)
 Optical Fiber Communication Channel

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com- Its role is to transport the optical signal from transmitter
munication
to receiver without distorting it.
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.) Most lightwave systems use optical fibers as the com-
Outline
munication channel because silica fibers can transmit
Introduction light with losses as small as 0.2 dB/km.
Historical Overview
of Optical
Communication
v Design issue
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic
Communications
Fiber dispersion, which leads to broadening of individual
Optical
Communication
optical pulses with propagation
Systems
Lightwave
Component Systems
Material dispersion, which sets the ultimate limit on the
Optical Transmitters
Optical Fiber
bit rate and the transmission distance of fiber-optic com-
Communication
Channel munication systems.
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber
communication
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
communication
 Optical Fiber Communication Channel

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com-
v Optical channels are classified based on the material in
munication which it constructed.
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.)
v The most common optical channels are:
1 Silica Fiber
Outline

Introduction 2 Plastic Fibers

Historical Overview
of Optical
Communication
3 Plastic-clad Fibers
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic
Communications
Optical
Communication
Systems
Lightwave
Component Systems
Optical Transmitters
Optical Fiber
Communication
Channel
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber
communication Figure: Optical fiber structure
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
communication
 Optical Channels

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com-
v Silica Fibers
munication
Both core and cladding are of glass.
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.) Very pure SiO2 or fused quartz.
Outline Germanium or Phosphorus to increase the index of re-
Introduction fraction.
Historical Overview
of Optical
Communication Boron or Flourine to decrease the index of refraction.
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic
Communications Silica fibers mainly used due to their low intrinsic ab-
Optical
Communication
Systems
sorption at wavelengths of operation.
Lightwave
Component Systems Any other remaining impurities cause attenuation and
Optical Transmitters
Optical Fiber
Communication
scattering.
Channel
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber
communication
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
communication
 Optical Channels

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com-
munication vPlastic Fibers
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.)

Plastic core and plastic

Outline

Introduction
cladding.
Historical Overview
of Optical
Communication
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Communications
Optical (most commonly used).
Communication
Systems
Lightwave
Component Systems
Optical Transmitters
Optical Fiber
Flexible and Light.
Communication
Channel
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber Widely used in short dis-
communication
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
tance applications.
communication
 Optical Channels

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com-
vPlastic-clad Fibers
munication
Glass as core and plastic as cladding.
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.)

Outline vWhich is better? (Plastic or Silica)

Introduction Plastic less expensive, flexible, lighter.
Historical Overview
of Optical
Communication Plastic is larger in diameter, so easy to connect across
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic
Communications
joints.
Optical
Communication
Systems
Plastic is less efficient then Silica.
Lightwave
Component Systems Plastic has more attenuation, and less bandwidth mak-
Optical Transmitters
Optical Fiber
Communication
ing it more suitable for shorter distances.
Channel
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber
communication
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
communication
 Optical Receivers

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com-
munication
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.)

Outline

Introduction
Historical Overview
of Optical
Communication
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic
Communications
Figure: Components of an optical receiver.
Optical
Communication
Systems
Lightwave
Component Systems It converts the optical signal received at the output end
Optical Transmitters
Optical Fiber
Communication
of the optical fiber back into the original electrical signal.
Channel
Optical Receivers It consists of a coupler, a photodetector, and a demodu-
Advantages of
optical fiber
communication
lator.
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
communication
coupler focuses the received optical signal onto the pho-
todetector.
 Optical Receivers

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com- Semiconductor photodiodes are used as photodetectors
munication
Eyob Mersha
Most lightwave systems employ a scheme referred to as
(M.Sc.) "intensity modulation with direct detection" (IM/DD).
Outline Demodulation in this case is done by a decision circuit
Introduction that identifies bits as 1 or 0, depending on the amplitude
Historical Overview
of Optical
Communication
of the electric signal.
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic
Communications
The accuracy of the decision circuit depends on the SNR
Optical
Communication
of the electrical signal generated at the photodetector.
Systems
Lightwave
Component Systems
vReciver parameters
Optical Transmitters
Optical Fiber
Communication
Bit Error RateBER
Channel
Optical Receivers Reciver sensitivity
Advantages of
optical fiber
communication Signal- to-Noise Ratio (SNR)
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
communication
 Optical Receivers

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com-
vBER
munication
A parameter used to characterize the performance of a
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.) digital lightwave system .
Outline
Defined as the number of errors made per second and
Introduction dependent in bit-rate.
Historical Overview
of Optical
Communication
Can also defined as the average probability of incorrect
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic
bit identification.
Communications
Optical
Communication
Therefore, a BER of 106 corresponds to on average one
Systems
Lightwave error per million bits.
Component Systems
Optical Transmitters
Optical Fiber
Most lightwave systems specify a BER of 109 as the op-
Communication
Channel erating requirement; some even require a BER as small
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber
as 1014 .
communication
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
communication
 Optical Receivers

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com-
vReceiver sensitivity
munication
Is an important parameter for any receiver.
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.) Defined as the minimum average optical power required
Outline
to realize a BER of 10−9 .
Introduction Depends on theSNR, which in turn depends on various
Historical Overview
of Optical
Communication
noise sources that corrupt the signal received.
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic
Communications
Determined by a cumulative effect of all type of noise
Optical
Communication
incorporated in the system.
Systems
Lightwave
Component Systems
Even for a perfect receiver, some noise known as quan-
Optical Transmitters
Optical Fiber
tum noise or the shot noise is introduced by the process
Communication
Channel of photodetection itself.
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber
communication
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
communication
 Optical Receivers

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com- Quantum noise originates from the particle nature of
munication
electrons.
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.) Optical receivers operating at the shot-noise limit are
Outline
called quantum-noise-limited receivers.
Introduction Chromatic dispersion in optical fibers can add additional
Historical Overview
of Optical
Communication
noise through phenomena such as intersymbol interfer-
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic
ence and mode-partition noise
Communications
Optical
Communication
Systems
Lightwave
Component Systems
Optical Transmitters
Optical Fiber
Communication
Channel
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber
communication
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
communication
 Advantages of optical fiber communication

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com-
munication Thinner
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.) Less Expensive
Outline
Higher Carrying Capac-
Introduction
Historical Overview
of Optical
ity
Communication
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic
Less Signal Degradation&
Communications
Optical
Communication
Digital Signals
Systems
Lightwave
Component Systems Light Signals
Optical Transmitters
Optical Fiber
Communication
Channel
Non-Flammable
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber
communication
Light Weight
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
communication
 Advantages of optical fiber communication

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com- Much Higher Bandwidth (Gbps) - Thousands of chan-
munication
nels can be multiplexed together over one strand of fiber
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.) Immunity to Noise - Immune to electromagnetic inter-
Outline
ference (EMI) and crosstalk
Introduction Safety - Doesn’t transmit electrical signals, making it
Historical Overview
of Optical
Communication
safe in environments like a gas pipeline.
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic
Communications
High Security - Impossible to ”tap into.”
Optical
Communication
Systems
Less Loss - Repeaters can be spaced 75 miles apart
Lightwave
Component Systems
(fibers can be made to have only 0.2 dB/km of attenua-
Optical Transmitters
Optical Fiber
tion)
Communication
Channel
Optical Receivers
Reliability - More resilient than copper in extreme envi-
Advantages of
optical fiber ronmental conditions.
communication
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
communication
 Advantages of optical fiber communication

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com- Size - Lighter and more compact than copper.
munication
Eyob Mersha
Flexibility - Unlike impure, brittle glass, fiber is physi-
(M.Sc.) cally very flexible.
Outline Potential low cost:-The glass which generally provides
Introduction the optical fiber transmission medium is made from sand
Historical Overview
of Optical
Communication
- not a scarce resource
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic
Communications
Optical
Communication
Systems
Lightwave
Component Systems
Optical Transmitters
Optical Fiber
Communication
Channel
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber
communication
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
communication
 Disadvantages of optical fiber communication

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com- High cost of interfacing equipment necessary to convert
munication
electrical signals to optical signals. (optical transmitters,
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.) receivers) .This makes it expensive over short distance
Outline
Splicing fiber optic cable is also more difficult.It requires
Introduction requires highly skilled installers
Historical Overview
of Optical
Communication
Joining Cables:The best way of joining cables is to
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic
use ”fusion splicing”a skilled task that requires precision
Communications
Optical equipment
Communication
Systems
Lightwave Ading additional nodes is difficult
Component Systems
Optical Transmitters
Optical Fiber
Communication
Channel
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber
communication
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
communication
 Disadvantages of optical fiber communication

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com- Bending Cables:-When the fibre is bent,the light only
munication
stays in the fibre because of this reflection. If you bend
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.) the fibre too much the light escapes.
Outline
Slow Standards Development:
Introduction Sharks Eat the Cable?
Historical Overview
of Optical
Communication
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic
Communications
Optical
Communication
Systems
Lightwave
Component Systems
Optical Transmitters
Optical Fiber
Communication
Channel
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber
communication
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
communication
 Areas of Application

Introduction to
Optics and
Optical Com-
munication Telecommunications
Eyob Mersha
(M.Sc.) Local Area Networks
Outline
Cable TV
Introduction CCTV
Historical Overview
of Optical
Communication Optical Fiber Sensors
Evolution of OFC
Need for Fiber-Optic
Communications
medicine (including
Optical
Communication surgery and endoscopy)
Systems
Lightwave
Component Systems
Optical Transmitters
Optical Fiber
Communication
Channel
Optical Receivers
Advantages of
optical fiber
communication
Disadvantages of
optical fiber
communication