Summary of the project
The proposed project has been educating and training students with a virtual tool that provide optical laboratory experience for each module/lecture associated with the class 5LAH0. This virtual lab has been complementing front lectures, which primarily focuse on the theory of optical interconnected networks and photonic subsystems and system architectures for data centers. The virtual optical laboratory and measurement tool offers more in-depth understanding and practical experience of technologies in optical interconnected networks and subsystems operation. By utilizing VPI Photonics, a professional software currently used in the optical communication and photonic systems industry, the project allows students to emulate photonic devices, subsystems, and systems up to network applications, thereby addressing the prohibitive costs, space, and time constraints associated with physical lab equipment.
Aim of the project
The aim of this project has been to train students using a virtual tool that has been providing a comprehensive optical laboratory experience, enhancing their practical knowledge, and preparing them for real-world work environments in companies. By allowing students to directly experience the operation of real optical devices through virtual simulations, the project enables them to analyze the effects of these devices on system design, thereby improving their expertise and career opportunities. The virtual lab's online nature facilitates dedicated assignments on optical interconnected systems design and multidisciplinary group projects, providing students with a professional tool that can be further exploited for research and internship/final master projects. Expected outcomes include higher student satisfaction, more in-depth experimental insights into optical communication system design, expanded course content with practical assignments, and improved overall course scores reflecting both theoretical and experimental knowledge.
Results and learnings
The project is going well. The plan is to have a practical module for each lecture. Four practical modules are developed and implemented in education. Four additional modules are in development. The course modules are defined and they are currently at the stage of preparing them. The VPI software is not used for assessment purposes yet. Once all modules are in use, a next step would be to include the virtual lab in assessment.
Feedback from the students is positive. Students are using the software within the course, but also beyond that in MSc and PhD projects. Students would like more time to learn how to exploit the VPI software as the software provides many optical components and they experience it as a great tool to fully explore and learn all the offered optical components. A concern for students is the time effort needed to learn how to explore and use at the best the software. This is not surprising since it is a professional tool with many different options. Making a directory with a limited toolbox for students can decrease this concern.
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