Fiber optic components and systems at Oregon State University

Research efforts in our department include work on novel GaAs/AlGaAs laser structures and photodetectors which could be used in fiber optic sensor applications. Brief descriptions are given of three such components: a HEMT- compatible, very low threshold diode laser; a high-gain traveling-wave amplifier or high-power, broad linewidth LED; and a MODFET photoconductor. A senior/graduate level course is also taught on guided wave optics. In this lecture/laboratory course, students do design projects on either fiber optic sensors or fiber communication systems. Two examples of student fiber sensor projects will be given: a pressure sensor and an interferometric temperature sensor.