Optical fiber Communications Assignment (5 credits)

Due Date: 19/10/2010

1. An optical power of 150μW is launched in an optical fiber. The
optical fiber has an attenuation of 0.52dB/km. Determine the
maximum possible length of the optical link without having the
signal amplified. The minimum optical power which can be
detected by an optical detector on the receiver side is 2μW. Every
10kms an optical fiber joint (optical fibers interconnect) is required
with an attenuation of 1.5dB.
2. Compare a step-index and a graded-index fiber in terms of modal
dispersion (pulse broadening). Assume that the fiber is 100km long
and the refractive index difference between the cladding and the
core is 0.01.
3. a) Calculate the pulse spreading if the light of a GaAs LED with a
spectral width of 30nm is coupled in the fiber. The emitted
wavelength is 860nm.
b) The GaAs LED is replaced by a GaAs laser diode. The emitted
wavelength is again 860nm. Make an estimate by how much the
pulse spreading can be reduced.
4. a) Derive the expression for material and waveguide dispersion.
b) Design a link of length 80 km with a transmitter, fiber and
receiver (no amplifier) for lowest attenuation and dispersion.
Specify, explain and/or derive (if derivation of any parameter
applies to your design) all the parameters used in your design.
5. Write a code in MATLAB to plot the dispersion (waveguide and
material). Also simulate group velocity dispersion and PMD in
fibers for a series of wavelengths. (OPTIONAL)
 INSTRUCTIONS
1. Students are expected to solve the assignment individually.
Assignments are expected to be written or printed (if typed)
on A4 size sheets. If you opt to type the assignment, submit
the printed version of your assignment. Do not e-mail the
assignment if you opt to type it.
2. Every assignment will be scanned through an anti plagiarism
software to check for the possibility of cheating.
3. Students engaging in cheating, plagiarism and/or the
submission for credit of any work or materials that are
attributable in whole or in part to another person or website
face the possibility of failure in the course and /or deducted
marks in the examination.
4. Question 5 is a software (MATLAB) task designed for the
students to gain an in depth knowledge on dispersion. The
question is optional and hence students may opt to not
attempt it. No credits will be deducted if you do not
attempt question 5. However, an extra credit will be given
to the students who attempt it.
5. If you opt to attempt question 5, attach the MATLAB code
and the results in graphical format with your assignment.
6. Submission date for the assignment is on 19/10/2010 at room
14, block 4, Division of ECE at 11:30 a.m. Assignments will
not be accepted at any other day and time.
7. For any questions regarding the assignment or the course in
general, feel free to e-mail me at sridhar@nmsu.edu