Learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

• convert between wavelengths and frequencies

• describe the main differences between lasers and LEDs as used as light sources for optical-fibre communications systems

• describe the difference between direct and external modulation of a laser

• describe the difference in structure and performance of step-index multimode, graded-index multimode and single-mode optical fibres

• draw up a power budget for an optical-fibre communication link and use it to estimate the maximum link distance.