5B7 – Optical Wireless Technologies
This module explores the principles of photonic devices, signal processing, and system design for optical wireless communication and sensing as an emerging technology across various fields. Students will gain an understanding of how optical components and system architectures enable high-performance communication and sensing applications.
Core Topics
- Photonic Devices: Working principles of lasers, LEDs, photodetectors, photovoltaics, and LiDAR.
- Optical Theory: Geometric optics as required for system analysis and design.
- Optical Wireless Communication and LiFi: Modulation formats, channel models, and multi-user access.
- Free-Space Link Design: Point-to-point systems, misalignment effects, and atmospheric turbulence modelling.
- Applications: Satellite communication, indoor communication and positioning, underwater communication, and wireless sensing.
Practical Design and Simulation
Laboratory-based projects and simulation coursework form part of the assessment, allowing students to apply theoretical principles to the design and evaluation of optical wireless systems.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module, you will:
- Understand the operation of key photonic devices used in optical wireless systems.
- Be able to analyse and design optical wireless links and LiFi systems.
- Recognise key challenges such as misalignment and atmospheric turbulence.
- Appreciate the range of applications in communication and sensing technologies.