Key facts
UNE unit code: PHYS313
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Equip yourself with an advanced understanding of photonics and its applications in areas such as modern communications systems and optical fibre sensing.
Studying this unit, you will learn to explain and apply the principles of geometric optics (lenses, reflection and refraction), wave theory (diffraction and interference) and photometry and radiometry (the measurement of light).
You will gain the skills to identify and calculate key performance attributes of various optical interferometer configurations.
Building on your understanding of optical fibre technologies, you will examine optical fibre system components including light sources, detector and optical fibres and learn to evaluate the performance of optical fibre sensors.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 1, Online | The intensive school is mandatory. Students must attend the Mandatory Intensive School which is held in Armidale. Dates to be advised. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
Assumed knowledge in a two unit extension Mathematics.
The School of Science and Technology considers all practical / laboratory activities as essential to student learning.
Attendance and participation in all practical / laboratory classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- explain and apply the basic principles of geometric optics through ray-tracing and formulae, as relevant to spherical surfaces, thin and thick lenses;
- explain and apply the basic principles of wave theory as relevant to one, two and three dimensional media, interference, diffraction and polarisation, as well as identify and calculate key performance attributes of various optical interferometer configurations;
- demonstrate an understanding of optical fibre system components including light sources, detector and optical fibres and perform calculations concerning performance characteristics;
- evaluate key performance characteristics of optical fibre sensors;
- explain and apply the basic principles of photometry and radiometry in the context of the Inverse Square Law, Lambert's Cosine Law, the Relationship between Illuminance and Luminance, the Integrating Sphere, Planck's Law, Wien's Displacement Law and the Stefan-Boltzmann Law; and
- demonstrate a range of manipulative, observational, interpretive, written and graphical communication skills through undertaking and reporting on laboratory work and completing written assignments.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 5% | All offerings | Assignment. Numerical problems and short-answer questions. No. Words: 500 |
| Assessment 2 - Mid-trimester examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Hurdle Task. You must average 50% across both examinations to pass this unit. |
| Assessment 3 - Practicals - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Hurdle Task. Laboratory practicals. Students will be assessed on their laboratory skills and their demonstrated ability to connect theoretical concepts with laboratory practice. Students will need to demonstrate professional conduct in the laboratory, including the the ability to work safely, collegially, and productively in a shared setting. Assessment may also include data analysis, laboratory proficiency, reporting of results, and teamwork. |
| Assessment 4 | Yes | 5% | All offerings | Assignment. Numerical problems and short-answer questions. No. Words: 500 |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Hurdle Task. You must average 50% across both examinations to pass this unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Fibre Optic Communications
ISBN: 9780130085108
Palais, J.C., Prentice Hall 5th ed. 2004
Text refers to: Trimester 1 (Online)
Optics, Global Edition
ISBN: 9781292096933
Hecht, E., Pearson 5th ed. 2016
Text refers to: Trimester 1 (Online)
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Photonics and Lasers: An Introduction
ISBN: 9780471719748
Quimby, R.S., Wiley Interscience 1st ed. 2006
Text refers to: Trimester 1 (Online)
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