Characterisation of hollow-core photonic bandgap fibres and other multimode fibres for optical communications

Progress in multimode fibre technology has opened diverse opportunities in science and technology, one of which is pushing data capacities beyond the fundamental limits of conventional single-mode fibre, so as to avert network gridlock precipitated by exponentially growing global traffic demands. Hollow-core photonic bandgap fibres (HC-PBGFs), where light propagates in air rather than glass, have been considered as a potential candidate for high-capacity telecommunications applications, while offering superior performance over solid-core fibres in terms of low loss, low latency, and ultralow nonlinearity.This thesis presents research conducted as part of the efforts of the EU FP7 project MODE-GAP to pioneer developments in HC-PBGF and related space-division multiplexing technologies. This work is involved with the characterisation of primarily HC-PBGFs and also solid-core multimode fibres, recently and respectively fabricated through the facilities of the Optoelectronics Research Centre and other project partners. A time-of-flight method is applied to make extensive measurements on these fibres to study their modal properties, including mode coupling and differential modal delay, in order to assess their capabilities for single-mode as well as mode-division multiplexed data transmission. In support of the fibre design process, this work has aided the full characterisation of the first ever fabricated 37-cell HC-PBGFs and enabled subsequent mode-division multiplexing trials at a record capacity of 73.7 Tbit/s. Characterisation of multi-kilometre record-length HC-PBGFs is also performed, and has supported the demonstration of these fibres in metro network environments.To further understand the modal processes and facilitate fibre improvement, a simulation environment is constructed based on a power coupling propagation model. This has enhanced interpretations of experimental time-of-flight data, as well as validated a proposed theory relating mode coupling and loss in HC-PBGFs.Finally, an experimental technique is introduced to inspect longitudinal defects in solid- and hollow-core fibres, by applying time-of-flight principles

The University of Southampton Optics and Photonics Society

The Optics and Photonics Society (OPSoc) consists of postgraduate students from multiple departments within the University of Southampton, all with a common interest: light. It combines the university’s OSA and SPIE student chapters into a society that benefits all members. Most students are members of both the OSA and SPIE. OPSoc seeks to enhance the student experience by providing opportunities for professional development and networking through events falling under three main arms, namely, academic, social, and outreach. Special activities are also organized occasionally

Authentic assessment in optics and photonics

Schools and universities primarily prepare graduates for the workforce. Conventional pen-and-paper-tests which include multiple choice or theoretical derivations are mainstays in the assessments in most STEM subjects. Practical lab?oratory tasks, many of which involve carrying out experiments, are also prevalent as assessment components. However, to what degree do these types of assessments test student competency in an applied context? That is, how authentic are these activities in assessing would-be workforce-ready graduates? Authentic assessment focuses on activities that reflect, as accurately as possible, the tasks and contextual environments that employees would typically carry out and be exposed to in a real-world setting. We review developments in authentic assessment and how it can be applied in general STEM as well as specifically optics and photonics contexts.</p

Industry training on on-wafer optoelectronic vector network analysis

In today’s fast-paced world, efficient industrial workplace training has economic implications in any technology firm. Employees are required to learn technical skills and acquire proficiency quickly, regardless of the extent of prior experience. In this paper, we outline a methodology to train technical staff, which could include engineers, technicians, and/or operators, on vector network analysis in the context of photonics companies involved in the characterization of optoelectronic devices, particularly photonic integrated circuits. The acquired skills span electronic, microwave, and optical domains, but assume only basic prior electrical knowledge and no microwave or optics background. Focusing on on-wafer S-parameter characterization of optoelectronic components or modules, we first describe training in various laboratory tasks, including instrument calibration, device handling, probing, optical waveguide alignment, and taking measurements. Then, we elaborate on some relevant skills for processing and analyzing measured data. We identify relevant theory where appropriate, in a way suited for industry needs as opposed to academic settings. In this manner, staff learn sufficiently to be able to level their skills swiftly to get the job done. Much of the pedagogical details stem from our own industrial experiences as a photonic wafer manufacturing company, where we have trained team members of various technical backgrounds. The pedagogy can be applied to other technical areas, and it is hoped that the ideas in this paper will be of value to both nascent and established organizations.</p

Dataset for Modular and extensible lesson on optical fibre communication for youths

This dataset supports the publication: Nicholas H. L. Wong et al (2019). Modular and extensible lesson on optical fibre communication for youths. Physics Education</span

Numerical analysis of mode propagation and coupling in multimode fibers

We investigate the mode propagation and coupling in multimode fibers, based on modeling the wave propagation through the coupled power equation. Using this model, the power evolution of the various propagating modes in fibers can be visualized and the impact of mode-dependent loss and mode coupling can be quantitatively analyzed

From school classes to UNESCO: IYL-enabled environments for tackling the STEM skills shortage through student-led outreach

The accepted industrial skills shortage in the subjects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the United Kingdom has led to an increasing drive for universities to work with a wider pool of potential students. One contributor to this drive is the Lightwave Roadshow, a photonics-focused outreach program run by postgraduate students from the University of Southampton. The program has benefitted from the unique platform of the International Year of Light (IYL) 2015 for the development and support of hands-on and interactive outreach activities. In this report we review Lightwave activities facilitated by IYL that focused on widening participation for students aged 6 to 18 years from a multitude of societal categories; the roadshow has directly benefitted from the significance and investment into the IYL in conjunction with university recruitment strategies, local schools and the support of international organizations such as SPIE and OSA. Lightwave has used the foundation of the IYL to provide a wide range of activities for over 1,200 UK students in 53 different schools; the assessment tools used to measure learning outcomes, reach and impact are also discussed. The program’s activities have been developed to make younger age groups the center of the outreach activity and create an environment which encourages youth pursuit of optics and science from a grassroots level upwards; to illustrate this we will outline a Lightwave project endorsed by the IYL steering committee to permit two 6th form students to attend the IYL opening ceremony in Paris

Modular and extensible lesson on optical fibre communication for youths

Optical fibre communication enables the global internet, but few youths ever learn about how it works, even at a basic level, until tertiary education. While some middle school curricula might include simple geometrical optics concepts like reflection and refraction, they often lack contextual linkage to worldwide telecommunications. Through our studies, we have found that students are more engaged in the learning process when the material directly relates to real life. To address this gap, and moreover to tackle the issue of the STEM skills shortage, we have designed a self-contained lesson to introduce youths to this topic. It is modularised into three parts, beginning with using light to communicate Morse code, and then covering advanced themes such as multiplexing and fibre guidance based on total internal reflection. The modules can be taught sequentially or individually depending on educational level. They emphasise a more phenomenological than theoretical approach and include hands-on activities using easily obtainable materials. We outline the lesson and pedagogical guidelines for classroom settings, as well as evaluate actual classes run. This lesson can be flexibly implemented in formal classes or through educational outreach programmes.</p

Cathedral outreach: student-led workshops for school curriculum enhancement in non-traditional environments

Universities in the United Kingdom have been driven to work with a larger pool of potential students than just the more traditional student (middle-class white male), in order to tackle the widely-accepted skills-shortage in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), whilst honoring their commitment to fair access to higher education. Student-led outreach programs have contributed significantly to this drive. Two such programs run by postgraduate students at the University of Southampton are the “Lightwave Roadshow” and “Southampton Accelerate!”, which focus on photonics and particle physics, respectively. The program ‘ambassadors’ have developed activities to enhance areas of the national curriculum through presenting fundamental physical sciences and their applications to optics and photonics research. The activities have benefitted significantly from investment from international organizations, such as SPIE, OSA and the IEEE Photonics Society, and UK research councils, in conjunction with university recruitment and outreach strategies. New partnerships have been formed to expand outreach programs to work in non-traditional environments to challenge stereotypes of scientists. This paper presents two case studies of collaboration with education learning centers at Salisbury Cathedral and Winchester Cathedral. The paper outlines workshops and shows developed for pupils aged 6-14 years (UK key stages 2-4) on the electromagnetic spectrum, particle physics, telecommunications and the human eye using a combination of readily obtainable items, hand-built kits and elements from the EYEST Photonics Explorer kit. The activities are interactive to stimulate learning through active participation, complement the UK national curriculum and link the themes of science with the non-traditional setting of a cathedral. We present methods to evaluate the impact of the activity and tools to obtain qualitative feedback for continual program improvement. We also share lessons learned to assist educators emulating this format of engagement, and provide ideas and inspiration of outreach activities for student chapters to carry out