•	This course will address the fundamental principles of operation of fiber and free space optical communication systems including topics such as optical waveguides, photodetectors, light emitting diodes, lasers diodes, optical receivers, and space-based laser communication systems.
•	Sustainability topics including green optical communications focusing on energy limitations in transport and networks; the role of photonics in sustainable product design and energy efficiency in telecommunications will be covered.
•	Simulation tools from RSoft or VPI Photonics will be demonstrated and applied.
•	Students will critique and discuss current technical publications and industry products.
•	Students will experience industry relevant equipment such as specialty optical fibers, laser diodes, broad band light sources and optical spectrum analyzers