Optical Fiber Manufacturing

3 Modules

Module 1: Optical Fiber Fundamentals
Module 2: Preform Lathe
Module 3: Fiber Draw Tower Operation

Course Overview: Optical Fiber Manufacturing

The Optical Fiber Manufacturing course provides learners with introductory knowledge on how optical fiber works, the materials from which it is made, and the processes used in its manufacturing. Detailed and in-depth simulations of the preform lathe and fiber draw tower are provided for learners to virtually experience the process and understand each component used in the manufacturing process.

The first module on Optical Fiber Fundamentals introduces learners to why optical fiber is used, how it carries light, and the basics of how it is made. The second module on Preform Lathe provides a background on how preforms are made using Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) processes, the basic chemistry involved, and the names and functions of the components used in preform manufacturing. Finally, the Fiber Draw Tower Operation module introduces learners to the fabrication of optical fiber using a fiber draw tower.

The Fiber Fundamentals Simulation explores how fiber core diameter affects the fundamental mode shape and size. The MCVD lathe simulations introduce and guide learners through the process of manufacturing a glass preform for use in fiber optic cables. Additionally, the Draw Tower simulations take the learners step-by-step through the process of drawing out a glass preform into a fiber.


Course: Fiber Crafting

2 Modules

Module 1: Advanced Preform Lathe
Module 2: Advanced Fiber Draw

Course Overview: Fiber Crafting

The Fiber Crafting course provides advanced knowledge on optical fiber fabrication including the materials from which preforms and fibers are made and the manufacturing processes involved. Detailed in-depth simulations of the modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) preform lathe and fiber draw tower are provided for advanced learners to virtually experience the process and how the process conditions affect the end products.

The first module on Advanced Preform Lathe provides learners with advanced knowledge on how preforms are made using modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) processes, the precursor and reaction chemistry involved, the processes stages, and common flaws or failures incurred during preform manufacturing. The second module on Advanced Fiber Draw provides learners with advanced knowledge on how optical fiber is drawn on a draw tower, the components and processes stages, and common flaws or failures incurred during optical fiber manufacturing.

The simulation in Advanced Lathe allows learners to manufacture glass preforms for use in fiber optic cables. Learners can then draw their preforms into fiber using the Advanced Draw Tower simulation.


Course: Integrated Photonics Simulation Library (IPSL)

5 Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Waveguide
Module 2: Waveguide Fundamentals
Module 3: Multimode Inteferometer
Module 4: Edge Coupler
Module 5: Grating Coupler

Course Overview: Integrated Photonics Simulation Library (IPSL)

The Integrated Photonics Simulation Library (IPSL) course covers the basics of photonic waveguiding. This course is intended to be accessible to a wide range of engineering students who have a basic understanding of optics, electricity and magnetism, and vector fields.

The first half of the IPSL course introduces waveguide modes, electromagnetic vector fields, mode superposition, and the dynamic behavior of light in a dielectric waveguide. The second half of the course dives into the behavior of select silicon photonic components like multimode interferometers (MMIs), edge couplers, and grating couplers.

The simulations, videos, and exercises will help users gain an advanced foundation in integrated photonics that will be useful to both engineering students and experienced designers. Learners will move beyond ray optics to learn the basics of modal analysis and mode superposition using novel methods of 2D and 3D data visualization.