This project supports the improvement of the modern optics laboratory component of several courses by introducing current instrumentation related to setting up and testing a fiber optics telecommunications network. The pedagogical format is that of a traditional laboratory with a carefully constructed write-up and prototyping to ensure that students can maximize their learning during the available time. Students construct a "mini-network" with components capable of handling an FDDI rate of 100 Megabits per second. Using commercial bit error rate test sets, students learn how to measure the bit-error rate for the system. With a wideband oscilloscope they produce an "eye" diagram and learn to interpret its representation of transmission quality. They also learn to use optical time domain reflectometers to acquire a detailed characterization of the fiber cable, including splice losses, connector losses, fiber attenuation, and end reflection with high resolution. They also measure material and modal dispersion on commercial optical fiber. All instruments are representative of those that a technician working with fiber optics would be likely to use. Much of this is, nevertheless, appropriate for pre-engineering students. The award is being matched by an equal amount from the principal investigator's institution.
