EC 2402 - OPTICAL COMMUNICATION AND NETWORKING

QUESTION BANK

UNIT I

1.Define a fiber-optic system?

Fiber optic system is nothing but a fiber optic cable is essentially light pipe that is used to
carry a light beam from one place to another.

2. What is the relationship between information capacity and bandwidth?

Information capacity is directly proportional to bandwidth.

3. Contrast glass and plastic fiber cables?

Fiber optic cables are made from glass and plastic. Glass has lowest loss but it is brittle.
Plastic is cheaper but more flexible, but has high attenuation.

4. Define wavelengths.

It is the length that one cycle of an electromagnetic wave occupies in space.

5. For a low power optical signal which type of photo diode can be used? Why?

Avalanche phoito diode is used since it has a greater sensitivity owing to internal gain
mechanism.

6. Define wavefront.

For plane waves some constant phase points from a surface which is referred as
wavefront.

7. What is meant by refractive index of a material?

The refractive index n is defined as the ratio of the velocity of light in a vaccum to the
velocity of light in the medium.

8. What is external reflection?

When light is travelling in a certain medium is reflected off an optical denser material
(one with a higher refractive index), the process is referred to as external reflection.

9. What is intetnal reflection?

When light is travelling in a certain medium is reflected off an less optical dense material
the process is referred to as internal reflection.
10. Explain guided mode.

Guided mode is a pattern of electric and magnet field distributions that is repeated along
the fiber at equal intervals.

11. What is the purpose of cladding?

Cladding provides mechanical strength, reduces scattering loss resulting from dielectric
discontinuities at the core surface, and protects the core from absorbing surface contaminants
with which it could come into contact.

12. What types of fibers are used commonly?

i) Based on refractive index profile:

a) step Index

b). Graded index

ii). Based on Propogation

a). Mono-mode or single mode.

b). Multi mode.

13. What is a step index fiber? (NOV/DEC 2011)

The refractive index of the core n1 is constant and a cladding of lower refractive index n2
is known as step index fiber.

14. What is a Graded index fiber?

The core refractive index decreases continuously with increasing radial distance r from
the center of the fiber, but in generally constant in the cladding.

15. What is order of a mode?

It is equal to the number of field zeros across the guide.

16. What is law of refraction? (NOV/DEC 2011)

The law of inciodence says that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of refraction.

17. What is meridional rays?

 The ray has an angle of incidence ф at the interface which is greater than the critical
angle and is refklected at the same angle to the normal.

18. Define Numerial aperture.(MAY/JUNE 2012), (NOV/DEC 2014)

Numerical Aperture is defined as,

NA= no sin θa = (n12 – n22)1/2

For air no = 1

19. What is skew ray?

Skew rays are not transmitted through the fiber axis. They follow the helical path through
the fiber.

20. What are leaky modes in optical fibers?

In leaky modes the fields are confined partially in the fiber core and attenuated as they
propagate along the fiber length due to radiation and tunnel effect.

21. Define lower order Lpmode.

The mode having lowest cut off frequency is known as lower order mode.

22. Define acceptance angle. (NOV/DEC 2014)

It is the maximum angle to the axis at which light may enter the fiber in order to be
propagated..

23. Define critical angle.

The angle of refraction is always greater than the angle of incidence. Under this condition
the refraction and angle of incidence is known as critical angle.

24. What is an index profile?

The index profile of an optical fiber is a graphical representation of the magnitude of the
refractive index across the fiber.

25. Write the advantages of optical communication.

i. Small size and weight.

ii. Immunity to interference and crosstalk.

iii. High signal security.

 iv. Low transmission loss.

v. System reliability and ease of maintenance.

vi. Wideband width and greater information capacity.

26. Define refraction.

Refraction is the bending of a light ray that occurs when the light rats pass from medium
to another.

27. Write the advantages and disadvantages of single mode fiber.

Advantages:

i. No inter model dispersion.

ii. Information capacity is large.

Disadvantages.

i. Launching of light into single mode fiber and joining of two fibers are very
difficult.
ii. Fabrication is difficult and so costly.

28. Write the advantages and disadvantages of multi mode fiber. (APRIL/ MAY 2011)

Advantages:

i. Larger core radius make it easier to launch optical power into the fiber.
ii. Connection is easy.
iii. LEDs can be used to launch light.
iv. LEDs are less expensive, less complex circuitry and have longer life time.

29. What is the energy of a single photon of the light whose λ=1550nm, in ev? (NOV,DEC 2011)

Eg = 1.240/(1550 *10-3)

Eg = 0.8ev

30.Assume that there is a glass rod of refractive index 1.5 surrounded by air. Find the critical
angle. (NOV, DEC 2011)
𝑛
Φc = sin−1 𝑛2
1

Φc = 0.66o
31. Calculate the culoff wavelength of a singl mode fiber with core radius of 4um and A=0.003

32. The refractive index difference of the fiber is 1% Determine the critical angle at the core
cladding interface if the refractive index is 1.46.

33. A step index fiber has a normalised frequency (V) of 26.6 at 1300nm,If the core radius is
25um, find the numerical aperture.

34. The refractive indexes of the core and claddind of a silica fiber are 1.48 and 1.46. Find the
acceptance angle. (DEC 2013)

NA= no sin θa = (n12 – n22)1/2

θa = sin−1 𝑁𝐴

θa = 14.03

35. Determine the normalized frequency at 820nm for a step index fiber having a 25µm radius.
The refractive indexes of the cladding and the core are 1.45 and 1.47. How many modes
propagate in this fiber ? (DEC 2013)
2𝜋
𝑉= 𝑎 𝑁𝐴
𝜆

λ = 820nm

a = 25µm

n1= 1.47

n2 = 1.45

NA= no sin θa = (n12 – n22)1/2 = .242

V= 46.35

36. The refractive indexes of the core and cladding of a silica fiber are 1.55 and 1.52. Find the
critical angle and Numerical Aperture. (MAY 2013)

NA= no sin θa = (n12 – n22)1/2

NA= .30
𝑛
Φc = sin−1 𝑛2 = 78.7
1
37. The refractive indexes of the core and cladding of a silica fiber are 1.46 and 1.44. Find the
critical angle and Numerical Aperture. (MAY 2012)

NA= no sin θa = (n12 – n22)1/2

NA= .21
𝑛
Φc = sin−1 𝑛2 = 81.9
1

38. What is a Linearly Polarized mode? . (MAY 2013)

In a step index fiber the difference in the core and cladding indices of refraction is very
small.

39. A multimode fiber has core diameter of 50 µm and cladding refractive index of 1.45. If its
modal dispersion is 10ns/km, find its numerical aperture. (MAY/JUNE 2014)

40. Distinguish meridional rays from skew rays. (MAY/JUNE 2014)

Meridional ray: It is passing through fiber axis. Meridional rays are confined to the planes that
contain the axis of the symmetry of the fiber.

Skew ray: The rays are not passing through the fiber axis and taking helical path during the
propagation are called skew rays.

41. List any two advantages of single mode fibers (NOV/DEC 2014)

Intermodal dispersion is not present.

Simple operation.

42.Calculate the critical angle of incidence between two substances with different refractive
indices, where n1= 1.5 and n2=1.46. (APRIL/MAY 2015)

NA= no sin θa = (n12 – n22)1/2

𝑛
Φc = sin−1 𝑛2
1

43. What is total internal reflection? (APR/MAY 2015)

It is defined as the complete reflection of light into the same medium without any loss of
light.
Conditions for the total internal reflection

Light should travel from High refractive index material to Lower refractive index
material.

Incident angle should be greater than the critical angle.

44. Define phase velocity and group velocity. (NOV/DEC 2015)

Phase velocity: A monochromatic light wave travels along a waveguide in the Z direction
at a phase velocity.

Group Velocity: A group of waves with similar frequencies not propagates at phase
velocity of individual waves but moves at a group velocity vg.

45. What is mode field diameter?

The Mode Field diameter (MFD) is an important parameter. It can be determined from
the mode field distribution of the fundamental LP01 mode.

46. Define High birefringence and Low birefringence.

High birefringence – The maximization of the modal birefringence, which may be

achieved by reducing the beat length Lp to around 1 mm or less.

Low birefringence – The minimization of the modal birefringence, which may be

achieved by increasing the beat length Lp to around 50 mm or more.

PART B
1. Draw the schematic diagram of optical fiber communication system. Explain the function
of each block. (NOV/DEC 2013)
2. Give the ray theory of fibers and obtain expressions for cutoff wavelengths v number of
modes?
3. Define the following terms with respect to optical laws. (APR/MAY 2015) (NOV/DEC
2015)
Reflection.
Refraction.
Refractive index.
Snell’s law.
Critical angle.
Total internal reflection.
 Acceptance angle.
Numerical aperture.
4. Write short notes on th following,. (NOV/DEC 2011) (NOV/DEC 2015)
Single mode step index fiber.
Multimode step index fiber.
Multimode graded index fiber.
5. Explain the concept of electromagnetic modes in relation in relation to a plane optical
waveguides. (NOV/DEC 2015)
6. Briefly discuss. (NOV/DEC 2011)
a. The evanescent field(U) mode coupling.
b. Goos Haen the shift.
7. Describe the optical propagation in a cylindrical fiber.
8. Explain the difference between meridional and skew ray paths in step index fibers.
(NOV/DEC 2013)
9. Why single mode step index fibers are most widely used in telecommunication? Discuss
about the effective refractive index of the single mode fiber.
10. Give a brief note on linearly polarized modes of an optical fiber. (APRIL/ MAY 2011)
11. Give an overview of the guided , radiation and leaky modes of optical fibers. (APRIL/
MAY 2011)
12. Calculate the number of modes supported by a graded index fiber having a core radius of
25um and operating at 820 nm. The fiber has refractive index of 1.48 at the core and a
cladding of 1.46. Assume a parabolic index profile. (APRIL/ MAY 2011)
13. Describe the ray theory behind the optical fiber communication by total internal
reflection. (NOV/DEC 2012)
14. Derive the expression for wave equation of an electromagnetic wave propagating through
optical fibers. (NOV/DEC 2012)
15. Derive the expression for the linearly polarized modes in optical fibers and obtain the
equation for V number. (NOV/DEC 2012)
16. What is numerical aperture of an optical fiber? Deduce an expression for the same.
(NOV/DEC 2011) (NOV/DEC 2013)

17. Calculate NA of silica fiber with its core refractive index (ni) of 1.48 and cladding
refractive index of 1.46. what should be the new value of ‘ni’in order to change the NA to
0.23(NOV/DEC 2011)

18. Explain the phenomenon of total internal reflection using Snell’s law with figures and
calculations. (NOV/DEC 2011)

19. Distinguish step-index from graded index fibers. (NOV/DEC 2011) (APR/MAY 2015)
 20. Derive the mode equations for a circular fiber using Maxwell’s equations. (MAY 2013)
21. The refractive indexes of the core and cladding of a silica fiber are 1.6 and 1.49 and
1.458, 1.405. Find Numerical Aperture. (MAY 2013)

NA= no sin θa = (n12 – n22)1/2

NA= .58

θa = sin−1 𝑁𝐴

θa = 35.66

NA= no sin θa = (n12 – n22)1/2

NA= .58

θa = sin−1 𝑁𝐴

θa = 35.66

22. Explain the ray theory of a fiber with a special mention about TIR, Acceptance angle and
NA. (MAY 2013)

23. Describe Single mode fibers and their modes- field diameter. What are the propagation
modes in them(MAY 2013)
24. Compare the optical fiber link with a satellite link. (NOV/DEC 2013)
25. Bring out the3 difference between Phase and Group Velocities. (NOV/DEC 2013)
26. A. Draw and explain ray theory transmission in an optical communication.
B. With diagram explain acceptance angle, numerical aperture and total internal
reflection. (MAY/JUNE 2014)

27. With diagram explain electromagnetic mode theory of optical propagation. (MAY/JUNE
2014)

28. 1.Define the normalisedfrequency for an optical fiber and explain it use. (NOV/DEC 2014)
2.Discuss on the transmission of light through graded index fiber.

29. 1.Explain the features of multimode and single mode step index fiber and compose them.
2.A single mode step index fiber has a core diameter of 7 micro meter and a core
refractive index of 1.49. Estimate the shortest wavelength of light which allows single
mode operation when the relative refractive index difference for the fiber is
1%.(NOV/DEC 2014)
 UNIT II

1. What are the losses (or) signal attenuation mechanism in a fiber?

i. Absorption.
ii. Scattering.
iii. Radiative losses.
2. Define signal attenuation of fiber. (NOV/DEC 2011), (APR/MAY 2015)
It is defined as the ratio of the input optical power pi into a fiber to the output
optical

power po from the fiber.

10 𝑃
αdB= 𝐿 log10 𝑃 𝑖
𝑜

where L is the fiber length.

3. Name three mechanisms caused by absorption.

i. Absorption by atomic defects in the glass composition.
ii. Extrinsic absorption by impurity atoms in the glass material.
iii. Intrinsic absorption by the basic constituent atoms of the fiber material.
4. Write Urach’s rule.
𝛼𝑢𝑣 = 𝐶𝑒 𝐸⁄𝐸𝑜
Where C and Eo are empirical constant.
E is the photon energy.
5. How will scattering losses arises?
Scattering losses in glass arise from
i. Microscopic variations in the material density.
ii. Compositional fluctuations
iii. Structural inhomo densities or structural defects due to fiber fabrications.
 6. Define fictive temperature.
It is defined as the temperature at which the glass can reach a state of thermal
equilibrium and closely related to the anneal temperature.
7. What are types of scattering losses?
a). Linear scattering Loss – Rayleigh scattering,
Mie scattering.
b). Non-Linear Scattering- Stimulated Brillouin Scattering.

8. What are types of bending losses?(NOV/DEC 2012), (APR/MAY 2015)

a). Macroscopic bending losses.

b). Operating at the shortest wavelength possible.

9. Mention the way to reduce macrobending losses? (NOV/DEC 2011)

a). Designing fibers with large relative refractive index difference.

b). Operating at the shortest wavelength possible.

10. Define dispersion in optical fiber.

Dispersion of the transmitted optical signal causes distortion or both digital and
analog transmission along optical fibers, term ‘dispersion’ refers to spreading of lightt pulse as it
propogates through fiber.

11. What are the types of dispersion?

Material dispersion.

Waveguide dispersion.

Group velocity dispersion.(or) modal dispersion.

12. What is meant by material dispersion?

It arises from the variation of the refractive index of the core material as a function of
wavelength. This causes a wavwlength dependence of the group velocity of any given mode.

Pulse apreading occurs even when different wavelengths follow the same path.

13. Define Group Velocity Dispersion.

Intramodel dispersion is pulse spreading that occurs within a single mode. The spreading arises
from the finite spectral emission width of an optical source. This phenomenon is known as
Group Velocity Dispersion.
14. What is meant by Intermiodel dispersion?(NOV / DEC 2011)

The intermodel dispersion arises due to the variation in the group delay for each
individual mode at a single frequency.When the group velocity of different mode varies.

15. What is meant by model noise?

This is the 3rd effect of the transmitted signals on the optical channel. The speckle
patterns observed in multimode fiber as fluctuations which have characteristic times longer that
the resolution time of the detector and is known as modal (or) speckle noise.

16. Define polarization? (NOV/DEC 2015)

Polarization refers to the electric field orientation of a light siginal which can vary
significantly along the lenghth of the fiber.

17. Define Snell’s law.(MAY / JUNE 2012), (APRIL/MAY 2015)

Snell’s law of refraction at the core cladding interface.

𝑛
Sin ф𝑐 = 𝑛2 = cos 𝜃
1

18. Define Birefrigence.

The polarization modes propogate with different phase velocities and the difference between
their effective refractive indices is called birefringence.

Bf ~ ny - nx

19. What is meant by crosstalk?

The extinction ratio at the fiber output between the unwanted mode and the launch mode.

20. What are the types of joints? (NOV/DEC 2011) (NOV/DEC 2015)

a). Fiber splices – semipermanent joints.

b). Demountable fiber connectors (or) simple connctors- Removable pointers.

21. Define Fresnel reflection. (NOV/DEC 2011)

When the two joined fiber ends are smooth and perpendicular to the fiber axis, and the
two fiber axis are perfectely aligned, a small proportion of the light may be reflected back into
the transmitting fiber causing attenuation at joint. This is known as fresnel reflection.

22. What are the types of misalignment?

a) Lateral/radial/ axial misalignment

 b) Longitudinal misalignment.

c). Elastic tube splice.

23. State the drawbacks of fusion splicing.

a). Heat necessary to fuse the fibers.

b). With careful handling the tensile strength of the fused may be as low as 30% of the
uncoated fiber before fusion.

24. What arethe types of fiber couplers?

a. Three or four port coupler.

b. Star coupler.

c. Wavelength division multiplying devices.

25. Listout the various loss parameters with four port couples?

a. Excess loss.

b. Insertion loss.

c. Cross talk.

d. Split ratio.

26. Define attenuation coefficient of a fiber.

27. What factors causes Rayleigh scattering in optical fibers? (MAY 2013)

Microscopic variations in the material density.

Compositional fluctuations

Structural inhomogenities.

Structural defects during fiber fabrication.

28.What are two reasons for chromatic dispersion?

The variation of the refractive index of the core as a function of the wavelength.
30. A continuous 12 Kms long optical fiber link has a loss of 1.5dB/km. What is the minimum
optical power that must be launched into the fiber to maintain an optical power level of 0.3µw at
the receiving end? (NOV/DEC 2013)
10 𝑃
𝛼𝑑𝐵 = log10 𝑃 𝑖
𝐿 𝑜

Po =0.3µw

L=12 Kms

𝛼𝑑𝐵 = 1.5dB/km

Pi = 19 µw

31. Define Dispersion in multimode fibers. What is its effect? (NOV/DEC 2013)

Intermodal dispersion arises due to the variation in the group delay for each individual mode at a
single frequency.

32. What is mean by mechanical splice? (MAY 2013)

The mechanical splicing is which the fibers are held in alignment by some mechanical
means, may be achieved by various methods

33. Identify the causes of scattering loss. (MAY/JUNE 2014)

34. A fibre has an attenuation of 1.5 dB/Km at 1300nm. If 0.5 mW of optical power is initially
launched into the fibre, what is the power level in microwatts after 9km? (MAY/JUNE 2014)

35. What are the types of fiber losses which are given per unit distance? (NOV/DEC 2014)
Absorption
Scattering
Radiative losses.
36. List the factors that cause intrinsic joint losses in fiber(NOV/DEC 2014)

Different core and cladding diameters.

Different numerical apertures
Different refractive index profiles.
Fiber fault

37. What is meant by mode coupling?

Mode coupling is the coupling of energy from one mode to another arises because of
structural imperfections , fiber diameter variations and refractive index variations, cabling
induced microbends.
38. Fiber beat length:
 If light is injected into the fiber so that both modes are excited, one mode delayed in
phase relative to the other as they propagate.
When the phase difference between two modes is an integral multiple of 2π, the two
modes will beat at this point and the input polarization will be reproduces. The length over which
the beating occurs is known as fiber beat length.

PART B

1. Discuss absorption losses in optical fibers, comparing the intrinsic an extrinsic absorption
mechanisms.
2. Briefly discuss the linear scattering losses in optical fibers.
Rayleigh scattering.
Mie scattering.
3. Describe the phenomenon of modal noise in optical fibers andsuggest hoe it may be
avoided?
4. Describe dispersion mechanism for signal mode fibers with dominating effects and
describe how intra modal dispersion may be minimized within the single mode region.
5. Explain in detail the modal birefringence and the best length in single mode fibers.
6. Give the theory of material dispersion and find an expression for material dispersion.
(MAY 2013)
7. Explain the fiber bend losses with neat diagram.
8. Discuss the different misalignment losses and their magnitudes. (APRIL/ MAY 2011)
9. Give an account on different types of splices and their merits and demerits.
10. Discuss the principles of operation of the two major categories of demountable optical
fiber connectors.
11. With suitable diagram explain fiber couplers.
12. Indicate the distinction between fiber star and tree coupler.
13. Discuss scattering and bending losses in optical fibers. (APRIL/ MAY 2011)
14. Explain Non linear scattering losses and fiber bend loss.and material dispersion in optical
fiber. (MAY / JUNE 2012)
15. Explain mechanical splices with neat diagram . (MAY / JUNE 2012)
16. Write a brief note on fiber alignment and joint loss. (MAY / JUNE 2012) (MAY 2013)
17. Write a brief note on fiber alignment and joint losses. (MAY / JUNE 2012)
18. Explain material dispersion in optic fiber. (MAY / JUNE 2012)
19. Draw and explain various fiber alignment and joint losses. (NOV/DEC 2012)
20. Write notes on fiber splices and connectors. (NOV/DEC 2012) (MAY 2013)
21. What do you mean by pulse broadening? Explain its effect on information carrying
capacity of a fiber. (NOV/DEC 2011)
22. An LED operating at 850 nm has a spectral width of 45 nm. What is the pulse spreading
in ns/km due to material dispersion? What is the pulse spreading when a laser diode
having a 2 nm spectral width is used? The material dispersion is 90 ps / nm km.
(NOV/DEC 2011)

23. What is meant by ‘fiber splicing’? Explain fusion splicing of optical fibers.
24. Explain expanded beam fiber connector with a neat schematic. (NOV/DEC 2011)
25. Describe various connectors and couplers. (MAY 2013)
26. Discuss the attenuation encountered in optical fiber communication due to:
1. Bending
2. Scattering
3. Absorption (NOV/DEC 2013) (NOV/DEC 2015)
27. Clearly bringout the difference between intra and inter modal dispersion. (NOV/DEC
2013)
28. Find the maximum bit rate for the fiber link of 5 kms. The numerical aperture is 0.25 and
the refractive index is 1.48. (NOV/DEC 2013)
0.2
𝐵𝑇 = 𝜎𝑠
𝐿 𝑛1 𝛥 𝐿(𝑁𝐴)2
σs = =
2√3𝑐 2√3𝑐

BT = 0.66 Mbits per second

29. Explain the attenuation and losses in fibre. (MAY/JUNE 2014)
30. With diagram explain intra and inter modal dispersion. (MAY/JUNE 2014) (NOV/DEC
2015)
31. 31.1.What is meant bycritical bending radius of optical fibers?Explain.
2.Explain the following in single mode fiber:mode biferingince and beat length.

32. .1.Describe the three types of fiber misalignment that contribute to insertion loss at
an optical fibeer joint. (NOV/DEC 2014)
2.Outline the major categories of multiport fiber optic coupler. (NOV/DEC 2014)

UNIT III
 1. What are the principal light sources used for fiber optic communication? (NOV/DEC-
2010)
They are heterojunction structured semiconductor laser diodes (Injection laser
diodes )

and Light Emitting Diodes(LEDs).

2. What is heterojunction? (NOV/DEC 2015)

It consists of two adjoint semioconductor materials with different band gap

energies.

These devices are suitable for wide range of applications in fiber transmission systems.

3. What is active or recombination region? (APRIL/ MAY 2012)

When pn junction is forward biased, electrons and holes are injected into p an n region
respectively. Theses injected minority carriers are recomibne either radiatively or non raditvely.
The recombination energy is dissipated in the form of heat. This pn junction is known as the
active or recombination region.

4. Write down the differences between LED and Laser Diodes. (NOV/DEC 2011)

S.NO LED Laser Diode

1. Optical output is in coherent. Optical output is coherent.
2. No optical resonant cavity. Optical energy from optical resonant
cavity.
3. Output has broad spectral width. Highly monochromatic.
4. No spatial and temporal coherence It has spatial and temporal coherence.

5. What is phonon? (NOV/DEC-2012)

Phonon is a quantum of energy in the lattioce vibrations of a crystal.
6. What is radiance or brightness? (APRIL/ MAY 2012)
Radiance is a measure in watts of the optical power radiated into a unit solid angle
per

unit area of the emitting surface.

7. What is a lambertian pattern?

In surface emitteer LED, the emission pattern is essentially isotropic with 1200 half
power bandwidth. The isotropic pattern from a surface emitter is called lambertian pattern. In
this pattern the source is equally bright when viewed from any direction. This radiation pattern
decides the coupling efficiency of LED.

8. What is emission response?

Emission response time delay is the delay between the application of the current pulse and on
set of optical emission.

9. Mention the LED configurations used in optical fiber links. (NOV/DEC 2011)
Two basic configurations
Surface Emitter LED.
Edge Emitter LED.
10. Define external quantum efficiency.
It is defined as the ratio of photons emitted from LED from the number of photon
generated internally.
11. Define Internal quantum efficiency. (MAY/JUNE 2014) (NOV/DEC 2015)
It is defined as the ratio of radiative recombination rate to the total recombination
rate.
12. What is gain guided laser? (NOV/DEC-2012)
The injection of electrons and holes into the device alters the refractive index of
the active layer. The profile of theses injected carriers creates a weak complex
waveguide that confines the light laterally. This type of device is called as gain
guided laser.
13. Mention the advantages of quantum well lasers over DH lasers.
a. Allow high gain at low carrier density.
b. Narrow linewidths.
c. Higher modulation speeds.
d. Lower frequency chrips.
e. Less temperature dependence.
14. Define quantum efficiency.

It is defined as the number of electron hole pairs generated per incident photon of
energy,.

15. Define responsivity?

The responsivity is a useful parameter as it gives the transfer characteristic of the
detector. It is defined as the ratio of output photo current to the incident optical
power.
16. What is avalanche effect? (NOV/DEC-2012)
 a. Due to impact ionization effect new carriers are generated. The newly generated
carriers also accelerated by high electric field, thus gaining enough energy to
cause further impact ionization, this phenomenon is known as avalanche effect.
17. What is transit time of the photo carriers?
The transit time of the photo carriers in the depletion region is the ratio between
carrier drift velocities and the depletion layer width.
18. What are the advantages of LED? (NOV/DEC 2011)
19. Write any two differences between a Laser diode and a LED. (NOV/DEC 2013)
S.NO LED Laser Diode
1. Optical output is in coherent. Optical output is coherent.
2. No optical resonant cavity. Optical energy from optical resonant
cavity.
3. Output has broad spectral width. Highly monochromatic.
4. No spatial and temporal coherence It has spatial and temporal coherence.

20. For a Photodiode define quantum efficiency and responsivity. (NOV/DEC 2011)
The number of elerctron hole pairs genetrated per incident photon of energy.
21. Calculate the band gap energy for an LED to emit 850nm. (MAY 2013)
1.45 ev

22. If the absorption coefficient of silicon is 0.05 misrometer -1 at 860nm, find the penetration
depth at which p(x)/pin = 0.368(MAY/JUNE 2014)
23. Define internal quantum efficiency of a LED. (NOV/DEC 2014)
It is defined as the ratio of radiative recombination rate to the total recombination
rate.
24. What are the drawbacks of avalanche photo diode. (NOV/DEC 2014)
Fabrication difficulty due to their more complex structure.
Cost is high
High bias voltage is required.
The random nature of photo diode gives an additional noise.

PART B
1. Describe the construction and working of Light Emitting Diodes(LED)? (MAY 2013)
(APR/MAY 2015)
2. Explain the structure of surface emitting and edge emitting LEDs?
3. Derive the expression at internal efficiency. (NOV/DEC-2012)
4. Discuss about the injection laser diode structures. (APRIL/ MAY 2011)
5. Define quantum well Laser. Explain its geometry and features.
6. With suitable diagram explain the structure of PIN diode. (NOV/DEC-2012)
7. Explain the structure and principle of working of Avalanche Photodiode (APD).
8. Compare the performance of PIN and APD. (NOV/DEC 2011)
9. Briefly explain the detector response time. (APR/MAY 2015)
10. Discuss various noise sources in photo detectors.
11. Explain the different splicing techniques with neat diagram. (APRIL/ MAY 2011)
12. Explain different issues and considerations involved in coupling the optical sopuces
to optical fibers. (APRIL/ MAY 2011)
13. Draw and explain surface and edge emitting LEDs. (MAY / JUNE 2012)
14. Explain any two injection laser structure with neat diagram. (MAY / JUNE 2012)
(MAY 2013)
15. Explain the operation of APD. (MAY / JUNE 2012) (NOV/DEC 2012)
16. Draw and explain the structure of Fabry perot resonator cavity for a laser diode.
Derive laser diode rate equation. (NOV/DEC 2012)
17. Compare LED with a laser diode. (NOV/DEC 2011)

18. With the help of a neat diagram explain the construction and working of a surface
emitting LED. (NOV/DEC 2011)

19. Explain the structure and working of a silicon APD. (NOV/DEC 2011) (MAY 2013)

20. Define S/N ratio of a photo detector. What conditions should be met to achieve a high
SNR? (NOV/DEC 2011) (MAY 2013)

21. Explain the working of n hetero structure LED. (NOV/DEC 2013)

22. Define Internel Quantum Efficiency ans deduce the expression for it. . (NOV/DEC
2013) (APR/MAY 2015)
23. What do you understand by optical wave confinement and current confinement in
LASER diode? Explain with suitable structures. . (NOV/DEC 2013)
24. Briefly explain the different noise sources of a photo diode. . (NOV/DEC 2013)
25. With diagram explain surface and edge emitters of LED structures. (MAY/JUNE
2014)
26. Draw and compare the construction and characteristics of PIN and Avalanche Photo
diode. (MAY/JUNE 2014)
27. 1.Describe the operation of a injection laser. (NOV/DEC 2014) (NOV/DEC 2015)
2.Compare the optical sources LED and ILD. (NOV/DEC 2015)

28. 1.What are the possible noise sources that contribute the photo detector noise?
(NOV/DEC 2015)
2.what is meant by detector response time?Explain. (NOV/DEC 2014)
 UNIT IV

1. What is bit rate?

The transmitted signal is two level binary data stream consisting of either 0 or 1 in a time
slot of duration T. This time slot is referred to a bit period.

2. Define Bit error rate (BER)? (NOV/DEC 2011) (APR/MAY 2015)

To divide the number of errors (Ne) occurring over a certain time interval t by the number
of pulses (Nt) transmitted during this interval. This is called either the error rate or bit
error rate (BER).
BER = Ne = Ne
Nt Bt

3. What is P+πpn+ reach through structure? (NOV/DEC-2012)

In the P+ (heavy doped – p type) substrate, high resistivity P – type material is deposited
followed by the construction of an n+ (heavily doped n- type) layer. The π layer is an
intrinsic layer but has some P doping because of imperfect purification.

4. Define quantum limit? (MAY 2013) (MAY/JUNE 2014)

To find the minimum received optical power required for a specific bit error rate
performance in a digital system. This minimum received power level is known as the
quantum limit.

5. How does dark current arise? (NOV/DEC-2012)

The bulk dark current arises from electrons and / or holes which are thermally generated
in the pn junction of the photo diode.
Mean square value (i2 DB) = 2qID BM2 F (M)
Where ID is the primary (unmultified) detector bulk dark current.

6. How does surface-leakage current arise? (NOV/DEC 2011)

Surface-leakage current arise due to surface defects, cleanliness, bias voltage and surface
area.
Mean square value (i2 DS) = 2qIL B Where IL is the surface leakage current.
7. How is internal noise caused?
 Internal noise is caused by the spontaneous fluctuations of current or voltage in electric
circuits.

8. What is intersymbol interference (ISI)? (MAY/JUNE 2011)

ISI occurs from pulse spreading in the optical fiber when a pulse is transmitted in a given
time slot, most of the pulse energy will arrive in the corresponding time slot at receiver.

9. Define Extinction ratio (ε)?

It is defined as the ratio of the optical power in a 0 pulse to the power in a 1 pulse. Its
effects is a power penalty in receiver sensitivity.

10. Mention types of preamplifier? (MAY/JUNE 2012)

(a) Low impedance preamplifiers (Lz)
(b) High impedance preamplifier (Hz)
(c) Transimpedance preamplifier.

11. What are the advantages of preamplifier? (MAY/JUNE 2011)

They are:
(a) Low noise level.
(b) High bandwidth.
(c) High dynamic range.
(d) High sensitivity.
(e) High gain.

12. What are the standard measurement techniques? (NOV/DEC-2011)

(a) Reference test methods (RTMs),
(b) Alternative test methods (ATMs).

13. Mention the different techniques used for measurement of fiber refractive profile?
(a) Interferometric Method,
(b) Near Field Scanning Method,
(c) Refracted Near Field Method (RNF).

14. Define effective cutoff wavelength? (MAY/JUNE 2012)

The effective cutoff wavelength is defined as ‘wavelength greater’ than the ratio between
the total power, to the launched higher order-modes and fundamental mode power.

15. Define bend attenuation? (NOV/DEC-2011)

The bend attenuation is measure between the total power and the fundamental power.
ab (λ) = 10 log 10 ps(λ)
 pb(λ)
where ab (λ) is bend attenuation,
ps(λ)is total power,
pb(λ)is the fundamental mode power.

16. Mention the techniques used for determination of fiber numerical aperture.
These techniques are:
(a) farfield angle from fiber using a scanning photo detector and a rotating stage,
(b) farfield pattern by trigonometric fiber,
(c) farfield pattern of NA measurement using a rotating stage.

17. List out the advantages of outer diameter measurement. (NOV/DEC-2010)

(a) Speed is large,
(b) More accuracy,
(c) Faster diameter measurements,
(d) Good accuracy.

18. What is meant by group delay per unit length τg(λ)? (NOV/DEC-2010)
When ∆T (λ) is the delay difference for the length difference L1 – L2, then the group
delay per unit length τg(λ) is
τg(λ) = ∆T (λ)
L1 – L2

19. Define the 3-dB optical bandwidth? (NOV/DEC-2010)

When the launched optical pulses and the fiber impulse response are Gaussian then the 3
dB optical bandwidth for the fiber Bopt may be
Bopt x τ(3 dB) = 0.44 GHz ns.

20. What are the major mechanisms to produce dispersion in optical fiber?
They are: (a) material dispersion,
(b) waveguide dispersion
(c) intermodal dispersion.
1. 21. A digital fiber optic link operating at 1310nm, requires a maximum BER of 10-8.
Calculate the required average photons per pulse. . (NOV/DEC 2013)
BER = 10-8 =𝑒 −𝑁
N= 18 photons per second
21. The photodetector output in a cut back attenuation setup is 3.3v at the far end of the fiber.
After cutting the fiber at the near end , 5m from the far end, photo detector output read
was 3.92v. What is the attenuation of the fiber in dB/km? (NOV/DEC 2013)
10 𝑉2
𝛼= log10 𝑉1 = 0.149
𝐿1−𝐿2
22. What are the error sources of receiver. (MAY 2013)
1. Internal noise
1. Shot noise
2. Thermal noise
2. External noise
23. What are the receiver error sources? (MAY/JUNE 2014)
Internal noise:
Shot noise
Thermal noise
External noise:
Atmospheric noise

24. Describe the term “Quantum Limit”. (MAY/JUNE 2014)

The minimum received power required for a specific bit error rate performance is
called quantum limits.
25. Mention the advantages of using transimpedance front end receiver configuration.
(NOV/DEC 2014) (APR/MAY 2015)
Wide dynamis range
Little or no equalization required.
Less susceptible to pick up noise , cross talk, EMI
Easily controllable and stable.
Less sensitivity.
26. State the significance of maintaining the fiber outer diameter constant. (NOV/DEC
2014)
27. Draw and describe the operation of fiber optic receiver. (NOV/DEC 2015)
28. Mention few diameter measurement techniques. (NOV/DEC 2015)

PART B
1. What is the role of preamplifier in optical receiver? Explain ion briefly types of
preamplifiers. (NOV / DEC 2012) (MAY 2013) (NOV/DEC 2013)
2.Describe the different error sources affecting the optical fiber.(MAY/JUNE 2012)
2. What is the probability of error in the digital receiver? Derive an expression for it.
3. Define quantum limit in digital and analog receiver. Explain.(MAY/JUNE 2012)
4. Discuss the cut back technique for the measurement of the total measurement of
absorption loss in optical fibers. (NOV/DEC-2010)
5. Discuss the measurement of fiber scattering loss by describing the use of two
common scattering cells. (NOV/DEC 2011)
6. Briefly explain the principle behind the calometric methods used for the
measurement of absorption loss in optical fiber. (MAY / JUNE 2012)
7. Discuss the measurement of dispersion in optical fibers using time and frequency
domain measurement techniques. (NOV/DEC-2010)
8. Discuss in detail (NOV/DEC 2011)
a. Interferometric methods.
b. Near field scanning method.
c. Refracted near field method.
9. Compare the two simple techniques used for the measurement of the numerical
aperture of optical fibers.
10. Describe with a suitable diagram the shadow method used for the on-line
measurement of the outer diameter of an optical fiber.
11. Explain the operation of PIN photo detector with neat diagram . (APRIL/ MAY 2011)
12. Describe the different types of noises affecting the performance of photo detector and
derive an expression for the SNR. (APRIL/ MAY 2011)
13. Explain the working of a high impedance preamplifier using FET. Compare its
performance with a high impedance preamplifier using BJT. (APRIL/ MAY 2011)
14. Discuss the noise and disturbances affecting the optical detection systems. (MAY /
JUNE 2012)
15. Draw and explain the operation of high impedance FET and BJT preamplifiers.
(MAY / JUNE 2012)
16. Explain attenuation measurement using cut back technique. (MAY / JUNE 2012)
17. Explain frequency domain measurement of fiber dispersion. (MAY / JUNE 2012)
18. Explain fiber refractive index profile measurements. (NOV/DEC 2012) (MAY 2013)
19. Explain fiber cutoff wavelength measurements. (NOV/DEC 2012) (MAY 2013)
20. Draw the front end optical amplifiers and explain. (NOV/DEC 2012)
21. Explain the fiber optic receiver operation using a simple model and its equivalent
circuit. (NOV/DEC 2011) (APR/MAY 2015)
22. Explain the operation of a pre-amplifier built using a FET. (NOV/DEC 2011)
23. Explain the measurement technique used in the case of (NOV/DEC 2011)

(i) Numerical aperture

(ii) Refractive index profile
(iii) Fiber cut-off wavelength
(iv) Fiber diameter.
24. Define the terms ‘Quantum limit’ and Probability of Error’ with respect to a receiver
with respect to a receiver with typical values. (NOV/DEC 2013) (NOV/DEC 2015)
25. Explain the Insertion loss method used for attenuation measurement. (NOV/DEC
2013)
 26. Explain the techniques used if frequency domain Intermodal dispersion measurement.
(NOV/DEC 2013)
27. With suitable diagram explain optical receiver operation and its performance.
(MAY/JUNE 2014)
28. Describe the dispersion and numerical aperture measurements of fibre. (MAY/JUNE
2014)
29. Draw the block diagram of fundamental optical receiver.Explain each block.
(NOV/DEC 2014)
30. With diagrams explain the following: (NOV/DEC 2014)
a)Measurement of NA of a fiber.
b) Measurement of refractive index profile

31. Explain the attenuation and dispersion measurements in detail. (APR/MAY 2015)
(NOV/DEC 2015)

UNIT V

1. Define network? NOV/DEC-2010

Network is defined as to establish connections between these stations, one interconnects
them by transmission paths to form a network.

2. What is meant by topology? (MAY/JUNE 2011)

The topology is the logical manner in which nodes are linked together by information –
transmission channels to form a network.

3. What are the types of network topology?

 Three common topologies are:
(a) Bus topology,
(b) Ring topology,
(c) Star toplogy.

4. State tap loss? (MAY/JUNE 2011)

The power extracted from the bus is called a tap loss and is given by
Ltap = - 10 log CT
Where CT is the symmetric coupler.

5. Define the term simplex and full duplex?

Simplex – the term simplex means that in this configuration, information flows only from
left to right.
Full Duplex – In full duplex communications, in which stations can communicate in
either direction, but simultaneous transmission on both directions.

6. What is SONET? NOV/DEC-2010 (APR/MAY 2015)

Synchronous Optical Network (SONET) is a standard developed by ANSI for fiber optic
networks. SONET defines a synchronous frame structure for transmitting TDM signals in
the optical fiber networks. It encodes bit streams into optical signals that are propagated
over optical fiber.

7. What is SDH? MAY / JUNE2012

SDH is Synchronous Digital hierarchy. It is a standard developed by ITU – T for fiber
optic networks. It is used in North America and the SDH is the international version of
SONET.

8. What is DWDM?
Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) is an optical technology used to
increased bandwidth over existing fiber-optic backbones. It works by combining and
transmitting multiple signals simultaneously at different wavelengths on the same fibers.

9. What are the types of broadcast and select network? MAY / JUNE2012 (MAY 2013)
(i) Single-hop networks,
(ii) Multi-hop networks.

10. What is meant by power penalty?

 When nonlinear effects contribute to signal impairment, an additional amount of power
will be needed at the receiver to maintain the same BER. This additional power (dB) is
known as the power penalty.

11. Define Kerr effect.

Nonlinearity produces a carrier-induced phase modulation of the propagating signal,
which is called Kerr effect.

12. What is meant by cross-phase modulation (XPM)? MAY/JUNE-2010

Cross-phase modulation, which converts power fluctuations in a particular wavelength
channel to phase fluctuations in the copropating channels.

13. State Link Bandwidth?MAY/JUNE-2010

If the N transmitters in a WDM link operate at bit rates of B1 through BN. The total
bandwidth is
N
B = ∑ Bi.
i =1

14. Define crosstalk?

Crosstalk is defined as the feed through of one channels signal into another channel.

15. Mention the types of crosstalk?

There are two types of crosstalk.
(a) Intrachannel crosstalk,
(b) Interchannel crosstalk.

16. How intrachannel crosstalk arises?

It arises when interfering signal is at the same wavelength as the desired signal. This
effect is more severe than interchannel crosstalk.

17. What is solitons? NOV/DEC 2012 (MAY 2013), (APR/MAY 2015)

A solitons are pulses that travel along the fiber without change in shape or amplitude or
velocity.

18. How the speckle pattern can form?MAY/JUNE 2011

The speckle patterns are formed by the interference of the modes from a coherent source
when the coherence time of the source is greater than the intermodal dispersion time δT
within the fiber.
19. Define fundamental solitons?
The family of pulses that do not change in shape are called fundamental solitons.

20. What is called higher-order solitons? MAY/JUNE-2011

The family of pulses that undergo periodic shape changes are higher-order solitons.

21. Define full-width half-maximum (FWHM)?

The FWHM is a pulse is defined as the full width of the pulse at its half-maximum power
level.

22. What is meant by Dispersion Length (Ldisp). NOV/DEC 2012

The normalized distance parameters are called as dispersion length, Ldisp. It is a
characteristic length for the effects of the dispersion term.
Ldisp = 2πc T20
λ2D
where C is the speed of light,
λ is the wavelength in vacuum,
D is the dispersion of the fiber,
Ldisp is measured in km.

23. Give the important features of time-slotted optical TDM network?

(i) To provide backbone to interconnect high speed networks,

(ii) To transfer quickly very large data blocks,
(iii) To switch large aggregations of traffic,
(iv) To provide both high-rate.
24. Obtain the transmission bit rate of the basic SONET frames in MBPS. (NOV/DEC 2013)
51.84Mbps.

25. Illustrate interchannel cross talk that occurs in a WDM system. (NOV/DEC 2013)

It arises when interfering signal is at the same wavelength as the desired signal.
The interference fells completely within the receiver bandwidth.
25. List out the benefits of SONET over PDH networks. (MAY/JUNE 2014)
High speed backbone network
Basic architecture for B-ISDN
Basic architecture for ATM
High speed optical network for data communication
26. Give the significance of solitons. (MAY/JUNE 2014)
It takes the advantage of non linear effects in silica particularly self phase
modulation resulting from the Kerr non linearity to overcome the pulse
broadening effects of GVD.
27. State the concept of WDM. (NOV/DEC 2014)
 The transmission of a number of peak wavelength optical signals in parallel on a
single optical fiber.
28. What is soliton. (NOV/DEC 2014)
The Soliton are pulses that travel along the fiber without change in shape ,
amplitude or velocity.
29. What is optical CDMA. (NOV/DEC 2015)
CDMA achieves multiple access by assigning a unique code to each user.
The transmitter imprints their code onto the data. The receiver then decode the
data by locking onto the same code sequence.
30. Distinguish SONET and SDH. (NOV/DEC 2015)
SONET and SDH use different terms to describe the three layers. SDH uses the terms
path, multiplex section, and regenerator section while SONET uses the terms section,
line, and path.
The values of the C2 Path Overhead (POH) byte are slightly different. Both SONET and SDH use
0x16 and 0xCF for POS.

PART B
1.Explain the general features of solitan based optical fiber communication.
2. Explain about EDFA. (APRIL/ MAY 2011)
3. Discuss about SONET and SDH. (MAY/JUNE 2012)
4. Explain in detail about wavelength routed networks?
5. Discuss with suitable diagram, broadcast and select WDM networks. (NOV/DEC
2011)
6. Explain the network topologies with neat diagram.
7. How the performance of transmission path is passive linear bus is evaluated?
Explain./
8. Write short note on
a. Self phase modulation
b. Cross Phase modulation
c. Four wire mixing.

9. Explain the different types of stimulated scattering mechanisms.

10. Explain the performance of WDM + EDFA systems. (MAY / JUNE2012),
(NOV/DEC 2015)
11. Explain the rise time budget for an optical digital transmission link. (APRIL/ MAY
2011)
12. Explain the Sonet frame structures and SONET rings with neat diagrams. (APRIL/
MAY 2011) (NOV/DEC 2011) (MAY 2013) (NOV/DEC 2015)

13. Discuss the role of WDM and Solitons in achieving high speed and High bandwidth
optical services. (APRIL/ MAY 2011) (MAY / JUNE 2012)
14. Explain Wavelength routed networks and optical CDMA. (MAY /
JUNE2012(NOV/DEC 2012) (APR/MAY 2015)
15. Explain non linear effects. (NOV/DEC 2012). (APR/MAY 2015)
16. Explain the concepts of Media access Control Protocols in broadcast and select
networks. (NOV/DEC 2012)
17. Explain the architecture of SONET and discuss nonlinear effects on network
performance. (NOV/DEC 2011) (MAY 2013)
18. Write short notes on (NOV/DEC 2011)
(i) Wavelength routed networks
(ii) Optical CDMA.
19. Explain the SA/SA protocol and modified SA/SA protocol of Broadcast and select
network. (MAY 2013)
20. Explain optical CDMA and its applications. (MAY 2013)
21. What is a ‘four fiber BLSR’ ring in a SONET? Explain the reconfiguration of the
same during node or fiber failure. (NOV/DEC 2013)
22. What is ‘broadcast and select multihop networks?’ Explain(NOV/DEC 2013)
23. Explain the following requirements for the design of an optically amplified WDM
link. (NOV/DEC 2013)
24. Write a note on solitons. (NOV/DEC 2013)
25. Explain SONET layers and frame structure with diagram. (MAY/JUNE 2014)
26. With suitable example, explain the conditions and constraints in the formulation and
solution of routing and wavelength assignment problem in an optimal way.
(MAY/JUNE 2014)
27. a)Draw the block diagram of OTDR .Explain the measurement of any two fiber
optic measurement with this. (NOV/DEC 2014)

28. 1.Discuss the following : (NOV/DEC 2014) (APR/MAY 2015)

1.WDM networks.
2,Ultra high capacity networks.