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Guided and free-space optical communications
University microcredential
Language: English
From September 8, 2025 to September 19, 2025
3 ECTS - 30 hours
Mode: Online and hybrid
This course covers the principles and advanced applications of optical communications, both in optical fiber and free-space optical (FSO) systems.
First, the course studies the components of a complete system with key technologies such as wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), EDFA amplification, and dispersion compensation techniques, with an emphasis on system design and evaluation. Next, it introduces the study of transceivers with advanced modulation formats and digital signal processing (DSP). Their role is key in next-generation optical networks, from the OTN hierarchy to optical switching technologies and wavelength conversion.
Finally, the course covers free-space optical (FSO) links, exploring their modeling and the causes of atmospheric attenuation. Practical sessions, through projects and laboratory activities, complement the theoretical learning and allow students to apply the knowledge gained to the design of real optical systems.
Lecturers
Pedro Reyes Iglesias
Associate Professor
José de Oliva Rubio
Associate Professor
Miguel Barrio Segura
Hired Researcher
Timeline
The course will start on September 8, 2025 and will end on September 19, 2025. The first week will be online lessons about concept and fundamentals, while the second week will focus mostly on laboratory exercises and simulations that can be made either on-site or online (hybrid mode).
The courses will be funded for up to 10 students who meet the established academic requirements thanks to the Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia 
and the NextGeneration EU 
. Deadlines will be opened to apply for these scholarships. A brief interview or exam may be conducted to gain a better understanding
of the applicant's background and motivations. The registration fee for the rest of the students will be 450 €.
Students who enroll in any microcredential must hold a bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas:
- Engineering (in any of its specialties).
- Physics.
- Chemistry.
- Mathematics.
In exceptional cases, students who are currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in one of the aforementioned fields and still need to complete 30 ECTS (excluding the final degree project and external internships) may be admitted.
Students who complete all the microcredentials (not necessarily in the same courses edition) will receive the Specialization Diploma in Integrated Photonics from the University of Málaga.
Theory sessions
-
Optical sources and pulse propagation in optical fibres.
Linear and nonlinear fibre. EDFA optical amplification. Dispersion compensation.
Design project - Solitons -
Receivers and optical system design.
Power budget and time response analysis.
Design projects - Datasheets-based optical system. -
Advanced transceivers and digital signal processing.
Design project - Selection of coherent transceivers. -
Advanced optical networks.
OTN hierarchy muxponders and GMPLS control plane. Optical switching with OXC/ROADM CDCG.
Design project - FTTH GPON. -
Free-space optical (FSO) links.
Characteristics, applications, and attenuation modeling.
Design project - Space and atmospheric FSO links.
Practical sessions
- Design project development and review for guided and free-space systems.
- Optical laboratory instrumentation: interferometry, polarisation control, source and link characterisation (OSA, OTDR).
- Experiments with optical transceivers and advanced modulation formats.
The professional software ANSYS ACADEMIC LUMERICAL MULTIPHYSICS will be available for students to perform the laboratory exercises proposed in the different microcredentials from their own computers. This software is widely used by companies in the sector and research centers for modeling, simulation, and design of integrated optical devices.