Photonics (COMS4113)

Course overview

Introduction to modern optics and photonics for applications such as telecommunications, sensing and imaging. Topics cover both the wave and particle nature of light, including diffraction, coherence, waveguides, polarisation and resonators. Topics also include semiconductor light sources such as LEDs and VCSELs, as well as photodetectors.

An introduction to optics, semiconductor fundamentals, and modern photonic devices for applications in optical communications, optical sensing, imaging and computing. After completing the course students will have the understanding of operation and limitations of enabling technologies for optical networking, optical communications, optical sensing and optical computing. This year some examples of typical photonic devices used for optical sensing, imaging and telecommunications will be added in the last lecture.

Course requirements

Assumed background

This course is all about generation, detection, amplification, guiding and manipulation of light-waves (electromagnetic waves). Therefore it is expected that student is familiar with the basic concepts of electromagnetic waves and electromagnetic fields. Also, as the light is being generated, amplified and detected by semiconductor devices it will help if student is familiar with some basic concepts of semiconductor theory. The elementary understanding of differential equations is needed.
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Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

ELEC3100 or PHYS3051 or PHYS7250

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

COMS4103

Course contact

Course staff

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Students will have to attend (physically and/or remotely) three 3-hour laboratory sessions for the duration of the course.

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Aims and outcomes

This course aims at providing students with the systematic introduction to modern photonic devices and subsystems for applications in optical communications, optical sensing and imaging, optical data-storage and computing and solid state illumination.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

Assessment

Assessment summary

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

Take Home Assignment

Mode

Written

Category

Computer Code, Quiz

Weight

15%

Due date

11/04/2025 1:00 pm

Assignment will be released on 09/04/2025 1pm

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Submission guidelines

Please upload all related files including the scripts as a single zip archive in blackboard: take home assignment.

NB: This is an individual assignment; the electronic copy of your code will be checked for plagiarism.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Late submission

You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.

Laboratory Reports

Mode

Activity/ Performance

Category

Practical/ Demonstration

Weight

24%

Due date

28/05/2025 4:00 pm

Learning outcomes

L03, L04

Task description

Submission guidelines

Results must be zipped up together with the completed report (in PDF format) and submit the bundle through Blackboard (Assessment/Lab Pracs) unless otherwise specified for a particular assessment item.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Prac reports are completed outside the scheduled prac class and are marked and returned to students within 14 days

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Simulation Assignment

Mode

Written

Category

Computer Code, Role play/ Simulation

Weight

16%

Due date

30/05/2025 4:00 pm

Learning outcomes

L02, L03, L04

Task description

Submission guidelines

Electronic submission of the report and code via Blackboard (Assessment/Simulation Assignment) unless otherwise specified for a particular assessment item. NB: This is an individual assignment; the electronic copy of your code will be checked for plagiarism.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

This course uses a progressive assessment approach where feedback and/or detailed solutions will be released to students within 14 days.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Final Assignment

• Hurdle
• Identity Verified

Mode

Oral

Category

Computer Code, Presentation, Role play/ Simulation

Weight

45%

Due date

11/06/2025 4:00 pm

Exam released 4pm 9 June and due 4pm 11 June. Presentation on 16 June.

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Submission guidelines

Assignments are to be submitted via Blackboard (Assessment/Final Assignment).

NB: This is an individual assignment; the electronic copy of your code will be checked for plagiarism.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

If you are unable to complete the Take Home Assignment 2, please submit an Extension of Assessment Due Date request through my.UQ to apply for a rescheduled assessment date.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Additional course grading information

The final mark will be rounded to the nearest integer (with half integers rounded up) prior to final grading being applied.ﾠIn order to achieve a grade of 4 (pass), students must achieve at least 40% in theﾠFinal Assignment and pass the oral presentation. Final grade is capped at 3 if the above conditions are not met.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

Having Troubles?

If you are having difficulties with any aspect of the course material, you should seek help and speak to the course teaching staff.

If external circumstances are affecting your ability to work on the course, you should seek help as soon as possible.

The University and UQ Union have organisations and staff who are able to help; for example, UQ Student Services are able to help with study and exam skills, tertiary learning skills, writing skills, financial assistance, personal issues, and disability services (among other things).

Complaints and criticisms should be directed in the first instance to the course coordinator. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may bring the matter to the attention of the School of EECS Director of Teaching and Learning.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Handouts

Before each Module a set of Lecture notes for that module will be posted on the Blackboard.ﾠLecture notes provide a basic coverage of the content for the module and material for further reading. The notes will reference the textbooks and any additional material in context.ﾠThe notesﾠare the summary of the module and should be used as a companion to the textbook.ﾠ

The Lecture /contact notes will also contain questions and exercises.ﾠStudents are expected to solve (or attempt) all the problems.ﾠ Some of the problems will be solved during the contact sessions and the solutions will be placed on the web.ﾠThe rest of the problems will be left for students to solve later and are also examinable.

Laboratory Facilities

Laboratory practicals are held in GP South (Building 78) as well as through remote access.ﾠEach student has to attend three 3-hour laboratory sessions for the duration of the course

Simulation Tools

The only simulation tool used in this courseﾠis Matlab.ﾠStudentsﾠwill simulate the performance of the photonic subsystems.ﾠMatlab is available 24 hours/day in the computer labs in GP South building.

Distribution of Notices

Notices will be distributed exclusively through Blackboard.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

• Student Code of Conduct Policy
• Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
• Assessment Procedure
• Examinations Procedure
• Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.

You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:

• Occupational Health and Safety in the Laboratory Guideline

School guidelines

Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:

• EECS School Guidelines for Students