What is OPTO-ELECTRONICS?
Light is taken for granted by most people. Visible light is only a very
small but immeasurably important part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
However light from infra-red through to ultra-violet in the
electro-magnetic spectrum is of increasing interest and use in
electronics. This is the field of opto-electronics.
Opto-electronics fall into two
main areas:
1. Devices which convert light into electrical current or
electrical current into light:
-photodetectors and solar cells that convert photons into electrical
current.
- light-emitting diodes and semiconductor lasers that convert an applied
voltage into emitted photons.
2. Devices that transmit light:
- optical fibres that guide light within a small plastic or glass fibre
between a light source and a detector.
- optical amplifiers that convert the energy of an optical source to
photons identical to an optical signal.
Why use OPTO-ELECTRONICS?
The interface
between mechanical and electronic systems is an undeniably important one,
it can also be a fickle one. Interface devices such as microswitches,
tracks, flexible contacts can be a point of failure. There are now easily
available alternatives to conventional cable based technology for
transmission of electronic signals from often hostile environments. Add to
that the reliability factor of transmitting light energy rather than
electrical energy and you can begin to see why this is an electronics
revolution.
Organisation
Schools are provided with a start up kit with all components and
hardware necessary to build progressively more challenging projects.
The Projects
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Click on the image you want detailed information about |
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| Infrared Detector |
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A simple circuit covering fundamental electronic concepts |
| Engine revolution counter |
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Rev counting using opto-electronic input and output devices |
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Engine Dynamometer
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Engine power can now be calculated. This is vital when setting up and making any sort of modifications. You can also run in engines in a far more controlled way. |
| Laser trigger time & distance measurement |
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A LASER light gate detects the cars(or anything else
for that matter) passing a point. This signal is then relayed using Infra-red light to trigger a clock which can count in .01 sec units. Lap timing is nearly as good as Formula One |
The projects are suitable for covering key elements of the Technology National Curriculum, starting at Key Stage 3 and progressing through to Advanced courses post 16.
Key stage 4 is the centre ground with Opto-Electronics projects covering all aspects of Electronic Product design and manufacture for both GCSE and GNVQ models.
At what ever level the projects are undertaken they will stimulate an
interest and understanding that is based upon real activities and needs.
Click here to find out
about a mobile feast of light and electricity following the electromagnetic spectrum