Optical Communications Stream

Photonics is the study of how to generate, detect, and manipulate light. One of the most important applications of photonics today is fiber optic communications. The incredibly large data capacity of optical fibers and the very high-speed optoelectronic components form the backbone to our long distance telecommunications networks. Without optical fiber networks, we would not have the internet or emails, and long distance phone calls would be slow and expensive. Engineers with a photonics background can find careers in optical communications and other emerging technologies.

The optical communications stream gears students toward systems level study of optical networks. The core photonics courses are combined with core courses in digital and wireless communication as well as signal processing.