Important Questions and Answers for Optical Communication

Part A

1. Compare step index and graded index fibers.

Step Index Fiber: Characterized by a uniform core refractive index and a sharp change in refractive

index between the core and cladding. Graded Index Fiber: Has a core refractive index that gradually

decreases from the center towards the cladding, reducing modal dispersion.

2. Define linearly polarized mode.

A mode of light propagation where the electric field vector remains confined to a single plane along

the direction of propagation.

3. List the factors that cause Rayleigh scattering in optical fibers.

Rayleigh scattering is caused by microscopic variations in the material density and composition of

the optical fiber, leading to scattering of light.

4. Differentiate material dispersion and waveguide dispersion.

Material Dispersion: Caused by the wavelength dependence of the refractive index of the core

material. Waveguide Dispersion: Results from the dependence of the light propagation constant on

the fiber structure and the wavelength.

5. Define quantum efficiency of LED.

The ratio of the number of photons emitted to the number of electrons passing through the LED.

6. Brief about the temperature effects in optical sources.

Temperature variations can affect the output wavelength, efficiency, and threshold current of optical

sources like LEDs and laser diodes.

The intrinsic layer in a PIN diode increases the volume where light absorption can occur, improving

the device's efficiency and speed.

8. Define detector response time.

The time taken by a photodetector to respond to an optical signal, influenced by factors like carrier

transit time and capacitance.

9. Enumerate the various SONET/SDH layers.

SONET/SDH architecture includes layers such as the Physical Layer, Section Layer, Line Layer,

and Path Layer.

10. Write short notes on WDM.

WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) is a technology that combines multiple optical carrier

signals on a single optical fiber by using different wavelengths of laser light to carry different signals.
Part B

11. a) Discuss about light wave communication with its advantages and disadvantages. With neat

block diagram explain the key elements of optical fiber system.

b) Explain the phenomenon of total internal reflection using Snell's law with figures and calculations.

Light Wave Communication: Uses light waves to transmit information over optical fibers.

Advantages: High bandwidth, low attenuation, immunity to electromagnetic interference, secure

communication, and lightweight cables.

Disadvantages: High initial cost, installation complexity, and fiber fragility.

Key Elements of Optical Fiber System:

Transmitter: Converts electrical signal to optical signal.

Optical Fiber: Medium for signal transmission.

Optical Amplifiers: Boost the signal strength.

Receivers: Convert optical signal back to electrical signal.

Block Diagram:

[Transmitter] -> [Optical Fiber] -> [Optical Amplifier] -> [Receiver]

Total Internal Reflection: Occurs when a light ray traveling from a denser medium to a less dense

medium hits the boundary at an angle greater than the critical angle.

Snell's Law: n1 sin(theta1) = n2 sin(theta2)

Critical Angle: theta_c = sin^(-1) (n2 / n1)

Figures and Calculations: Diagrams and mathematical derivation explaining the condition for total

internal reflection.

12. a) Describe the absorption, scattering and bending losses in optical fibers.

b) Briefly explain inter and intramodal dispersion and bring out the differences between intra and

intermodal dispersion.

Absorption Losses: Caused by the conversion of optical power into heat due to impurities and
intrinsic absorption.

Scattering Losses: Due to microscopic variations in the material density and composition, primarily

Rayleigh scattering.

Bending Losses: Occur when the fiber is bent, causing light to leak out of the core.

Intramodal Dispersion: Includes material dispersion and waveguide dispersion within a single mode.

Intermodal Dispersion: Occurs in multimode fibers where different modes travel at different speeds,

causing pulse broadening.

Differences: Intramodal dispersion occurs in both single and multimode fibers, while intermodal

dispersion is specific to multimode fibers.

13. a) Explain the construction and working of surface emitting LED and deduce the expression for

the internal quantum efficiency of LED.

b) Draw and explain the structure of Fabry-Perot resonator cavity for a laser diode. Derive laser

diode rate equations.

Construction: Surface emitting LEDs have a planar structure with light emitted perpendicular to the

surface.

Working: Electrical energy is converted to light through recombination of electrons and holes.

Internal Quantum Efficiency: eta_int = Number of photons generated / Number of electrons passing

through the LED

Fabry-Perot Resonator: Consists of two parallel reflecting surfaces forming a resonant cavity.

Rate Equations: Mathematical derivation involving photon density and carrier density equations.

14. a) Draw the structure and describe the operation of Avalanche photo diode. And also illustrate

the three factors that decide the response time of photo diodes with neat sketches.

b) List the types of optical amplifiers. Discuss in detail about Erbium doped fiber amplifier.

Structure: p-n junction with high electric field region.

Response Time Factors: Transit time, RC time constant, and diffusion time.

Optical Amplifiers: Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (SOA), Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA),

Raman Amplifier.

EDFA: Uses erbium-doped optical fiber to amplify light signals, with detailed explanation of its

working principle, components, and applications.

15. a) Explain the layered architecture of SONET/SDH with necessary diagram.

b) i) Enumerate the optical power measurements with neat diagrams.

ii) Summarize the industrial applications of optical fiber sensors.

Layered Architecture: Physical Layer, Section Layer, Line Layer, Path Layer.

Diagram: Visual representation of SONET/SDH layers and their functions.

Optical Power Measurements: Techniques and instruments like power meters and photodetectors

with diagrams.

Industrial Applications: Include temperature sensing, pressure sensing, structural health monitoring,

and chemical sensing.