4 ECTS credits
110 h study time

Offer 1 with catalog number 4017677FNR for all students in the 1st semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.

Semester
1st semester
Enrollment based on exam contract
Impossible
Grading method
Grading (scale from 0 to 20)
Can retake in second session
Yes
Taught in
English
Partnership Agreement
Under interuniversity agreement for degree program
Faculty
Faculty of Engineering
Department
Applied Physics and Photonics
Educational team
Francis Berghmans
Sidney Frans Goossens (course titular)
Activities and contact hours
30 contact hours Lecture
12 contact hours Seminar, Exercises or Practicals
Course Content

This course consists of a series of lectures to introduce how a light signal can be used to measure the most common physical quantities such as distance, displacement, speed, acceleration, temperature, mechanical forces and deformation.

The course serves a twofold purpose. First, it gives an overview of the different physical mechanisms through which an optical sensor changes the characteristics of a light signal by allowing it to interact with a physical measurand. We therefore review the most important characteristics of an optical signal, such as coherence, polarization, wavelength, intensity, and phase, the principles of interferometry, the Bragg condition, and the elasto-optic effect.

Second, it describes how optical sensors are built, what their main specifications are, and which aspects one has to consider for building an effective sensor.

Both free-space optical sensors and optical fiber sensors are investigated. Free-space sensors are applied to the measurement of distance and displacement; speed and acceleration; and temperature. This includes techniques such as time-of-flight (e.g., LiDAR), interferometric displacement sensors, and infrared thermometry using blackbody radiation.

Optical fiber point sensors based on interferometry, Bragg gratings, or distributed sensing are compared, and the potential of multiplexing is studied. Specific types such as Fabry-Pérot, Mach-Zehnder, and Michelson interferometers in fiber are discussed, as well as distributed techniques like OFDR (Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry).

The practical component includes laboratory work with FBG and OFDR-based sensors for strain and temperature sensing, and a poster assignment where students present recent research on experimental optical sensors.

Course material
Digital course material (Required) : Detailed slides projected during the lectures, Prof. Berghmans
Digital course material (Required) : Optical Sensors, Extra lecture material and course notes, Prof. Berghmans
Additional info

This course is taught entirely at VUB - Campus Etterbeek.

Learning Outcomes

Algemene competenties

This course contributes to acquiring the following competences:
• Understand the most important optical measurement techniques for physical sensing.
  • Select and apply the appropriate optical sensor technology for specific measurement challenges.
  • Master and apply advanced engineering knowledge in photonics to solve complex problems.
  • Thoroughly understand and apply specialized techniques in the field of photonics.
  • Be acquainted with recent innovation trends in optical sensing and photonic systems.
  • Have knowledge of key application areas of photonic materials, components, and sensing systems.
  • Perform research based on scientific literature and assess the relevance of scientific sources.
  • Analyze own experimental results and results of others in an objective and critical manner.
  • Understand and interpret the context of technical or scientific papers in photonics, investigating unclear parts independently.
  • Take independent positions on complex measurement and sensor selection problems, and defend these viewpoints convincingly.
  • Communicate effectively about the field of specialization in English, both orally and in writing.
  • Report technical and scientific topics clearly and professionally, including the use of graphical materials.
  • Fabricate, calibrate, and characterize optical fiber sensors using standard photonic instrumentation.
  • Interpret instrumentation manuals and work independently with photonic measurement equipment.
  • Function effectively as a member of an international and multidisciplinary team.
  • Act in an ethical, professional, and socially responsible manner.

Grading

The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 75% of the final mark.
PRAC Lab Work determines 25% of the final mark.

Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • Oral Examination with a relative weight of 1 which comprises 75% of the final mark.

    Note: 1 exam consisting of a main question to be answered with or without class notes and 2 smaller questions to be answered without the use of class notes. The answers are first prepared in writing, followed by an oral examination based on the preparation.

Within the PRAC Lab Work category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • Lab Work and Poster with a relative weight of 1 which comprises 25% of the final mark.

    Note: graded lab sessions and poster presentation, the latter being facultative depending on the number of students enrolled.

Additional info regarding evaluation

Attendance at all WPO (practical) sessions and lectures by invited guest speakers is compulsory. In case of justified absence (e.g., illness, force majeure), the student must inform the course titularis as soon as possible.

In case of absence during a scheduled oral exam, the student must always inform the course titularis before the scheduled exam time, even if no force majeure is involved. If the absence is due to force majeure, the student must also submit the required force majeure form and valid proof to the examinator and faculty secretariat, according to the procedures described in the Faculty of Engineering Teaching and Examination Regulations.

If a student's score is insufficient:

  • The practical work grade (lab sessions and poster presentation) is automatically carried over to the second examination period (resit). For organizational reasons, practical sessions cannot be redone in the second exam term.
  • Only the oral theory exam can be retaken.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) as a supporting tool is allowed to some extent, provided that the "AI-guidelines for students" are strictly adhered to.

The student has to properly report on the use of AI. Specific instructions will be communicated via the learning platform.

Allowed unsatisfactory mark
The supplementary Teaching and Examination Regulations of your faculty stipulate whether an allowed unsatisfactory mark for this programme unit is permitted.

Academic context

This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Photonics Engineering: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Photonics Engineering: Standaard traject