Abstract

A solid education in optical devices and optical communication systems must include an understanding of the basic building blocks of optical devices and networks as well as the interplay between them. Software vendors, such as Optiwave Systems Inc., provide free as well as for-purchase software tools that can be used in classroom and computer labs as an educational aid. This paper examines the role software simulation tools play in the education of students studying optical communication and related disciplines. The different techniques to employ photonic simulation software in classroom lectures, computer labs and graduate research are discussed.

© 2007 Optical Society of America