EEE310 FUNDAMEMNTALS OF PHOTONICS

Question 1
a) Write down Maxwells equation sin integral form explaining all the
symbols and terms used.
[5]
b) Show that the wave equation for the electric field is given by
2 E
2 E 0 o 2
t
[4]
8
1
c) Hence show that the speed of light is give by c 3 10 ms
[2]
d) Derive the wave equation for the magnetic field.
[3]
e) State Fouriers theorem for a function f (x) .
[1]
f) Express Fouriers theorem mathematically, assuming all the symbols
have their usual meanings. Hence derive expressions for A0, Am, and Bm
[5]
Question 2
a) Show the othorgonality of the electric and magnetic field, that is
E y cB z
[4]
b) Write down the formula for the energy density stored in an electric
field and in a magnetic field.
[4]
c) Hence show that E B
[4]
d) Hence comment on your result in b) above.
[2]
1
S
EB
0
e) Derive the pointing vector
, explaining all the symbols
used. [6]
Question 3

a) Assuming that the electric field is perpendicular to the plane of

incidence and that the magnetic field is parallel to it, and assuming
that E v B , find

i)

K E
[2]

ii) K .E
[2]
b) Given the continuity of the tangential component of the electric field
on either side of the interface, that is E oi Cos i E or Cos r E ot Cos t ,
derive Fresnels equations using the parallel components.
[8]
c) Given a circular beam that is incident on a surface, find the expression
for the transmittance, T and the reflectance R, in terms of the radiant
flux density I.[5]
d) Hence show that the energy is conserved.
[3]

Question 4
a) Explain the meaning of the following terms as they are used in
photonics; stigmatic system, focal point and paraxial approximation.
[6]
b) Non perfect images are formed because of aberrations, light scattering
and diffraction. Explain each of these loses.
[6]
1 1
2
'
R , for a Cartesian plane
c) Derive Gausss first order equation s s
defining each of the symbols.
[6]
d) For an optical system provide the reflection and transmission matrices.
Assuming all the symbols has their usual meanings.
[2]
Question 5
a) Explain how light wave exerts pressure and thus transfer momentum to
the material with which it interact with, and hence explain what is

meant by radiation pressure.

[4]
P

I
c , explaining

b) Hence show that the radiation pressure is given by

all the symbols involved.
[3]
c) Show that the volume density of the electromagnetic momentum is
s
h
Pv 2
P
.
c and that the momentum is given by
[4]
d) Explain the origin of the electromagnetic wave from two charged
particles.[4]
e) By applying Newtons second law and the electric forces on charged
particles exerting simple harmonic motion, derive the dispersion

Ne 2
1

n 2 ( ) 1
2
2
0 me 0
equation
, where all the symbols have
their usual meanings.
[5]
Question 6
Assume a two level laser system with no degeneracy (g1= g2 = 1).
(a) If N2 + N1 = constant, show that B12 = B21.

[4]
(b) At what wavelength is the coefficient of spontaneous emission equal to
the coefficient of stimulated emission?
[3]
(c) Derive an expression to explain why materials with long excited state
lifetimes are easier to get to laser than those with short lifetimes. Plot
the decay of the upper laser level, N2(t), for the three lasing materials
discussed in the lectures (Nd:YAG, Nd:GdVO4 and Nd:YLF). Assume
N2(0) = 100. Which material do you think would have the highest
optical gain? Explain your answer.
[
3]
(d) In a Ruby laser ~ 694nm. Show why this laser cannot operate when
the gain material is in thermal equilibrium at T = 300K.
[4]

Calculate the average power, peak intensity and average fluence of the
following circular Gaussian laser beams:
(e) 10 Hz operation of a Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm, with 100 mJ per pulse
in a 20 ns time envelop, focused to a 100 m radius.
[3]
(f) 100 Hz operation of a CO2 laser at 10.6 m, with 1 j per pulse in a 2 s
time envelop, focused to a 500 m radius.
[3]
Question 7
(a) Draw a diagram showing the main regions of the electromagnetic
spectrum
[10]
(b) Give the main reson why photonics has an advantage over
electronics in the area of information transmission
[5]
(c) Define the term LASER explaining their use and properties.
[5]

END

HARARE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING
Bachelor of Technology Honours Degree in Electronic Engineering
PART 3 END OF SEMESTER 1 EXAMINATION
EEE310: FUNDAMENTALS OF PHOTONICS

DECEMBER 2009
Time allowed: 3 hours
Instructions to Candidates
i)

Paper carries 7 questions

ii)

Answer any five questions

iii)

Each question carries 20 marks