Optoelectronics and optics are becoming an integral part of current electrical engineering, as optical solutions are being used for everything from compact disc players and laser printers to neural networks, satellite communications, and machining. On the whole, however, undergraduates in electrical engineering receive little exposure to principles and practical applications of optical devices and systems. This project involves an undergraduate optics laboratory in which students can learn about a variety of subjects pertinent to contemporary optical engineering within electrical engineering. Eight individual laboratory projects covering a broad spectrum of key topics, including fiber optics, semiconductor optoelectronic devices, electro-optic and acousto-optic modulation, lasers, liquid crystals, and detection are planned. Students will become proficient in the use and application of such important optical devices and instruments as lasers, optical fibers, monochromators, detection systems, state-of-the-art modulators and photodetectors. An important feature of the laboratory course is the inclusion of a strong design element. It should also be noted that significant emphasis is placed on laboratory safety procedures. A laboratory manual will be published and serve as a prototype for similar educational laboratories at other universities.
