Fiber Optic Minicourse

Basic concepts of fiber optic communications and industrial applications This short course is intended as a supplement to other more general electronics classes. Class length is variable, to meet instructors' time constraints: five to 10 1-hour periods, plus two 2-hour experimental sessions. The course begins with 'The History of Fiber Optics,' followed by sections describing fiber optic communications systems and their individual components. Also included are a list of additional reading references and a helpful fiber optic glossary. Experimental sessions involve students in assembling and testing a fully functional fiber optic digital communication link with separate transmitter and receiver modules. Course comes complete with a full-color classroom manual and kit containing all required electronic components, including printed wiring boards, fiber optic LED, photodetector and cable. No prior fiber optics experience or special tools are needed for assembly and demonstration.