Course Catalogue

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This course provides an introduction to the design process of photonic integrated circuits using different semiconductors, such as lasers/LEDs, detectors, modulators, passive components (waveguides, couplers) and solar cells.

It will also introduce the tools used to simulate photonic integrated devices and learn how to design such systems. A full design will be performed from specifications to layout.

This course will be timetabled in blocks, typically one week in four with tutorials and on-line support available between each block.

Mandatory Entry Requirements

None

Recommended Entry Requirements

None

None

None

Assessment

Examination 75%

Design Study 25%

Reassessment

In accordance with the University's Code of Assessment reassessments are normally set for all courses which do not contribute to the honours classifications. For non honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students, and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions are listed below in this box.

Due to the nature of the coursework and sequencing of courses, it is not possible to reassess the coursework laboratory.

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below.

Due to the nature of the coursework and sequencing of courses, it is not possible to reassess the coursework laboratory.

The initial grade on coursework laboratories will be used when calculating the resit grade.

The course aims to introduce the philosophy, process, and tools used in the design of photonic integrated circuits from initial concept to customer product using silicon, III-V and II-VI semiconductors.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

• Use the absorption and emission of light from semiconductors to optimise optoelectonic devices;

• Describe and draw the process flow for photonic integrated circuits using III-V materials and silicon;

• Design aspects of optoelectronic light emitters (LEDs and semiconductor lasers);

• Design and describe the operation of optoelectronic detectors (photodetectors, CCDs and CMOS image chips) and photovoltaic solar cells.

• Demonstrate the use of simulation tools to design active and passive photonic devices.

• Design silicon photonic integrated circuits from specifications.

•Evaluate the performances and limitations of fabrication technologies and their impact on the optimum economical solution.

Students must attend the degree examination and submit at least 75% by weight of the other components of the course's summative assessment.