Teaching

Prof. Poon is not currently teaching.

Course details and materials are available through the University of Toronto Portal.

ECE335F: Introduction to Electronic Devices

Sept-Dec 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015

This course provides an introduction to semiconductor electronic devices. We will begin by discussing the basic principles of semiconductor materials, electronic carriers, and carrier transport. Then we will study the operation, design and performance of devices including PN diodes, Schottky diodes, MOS field effect transistors, bipolar junction transistors, and optoelectronic components. Projects will provide an opportunity to design devices using an industry-standard TCAD tool.

ECE469S: Optical Communications and Networks

Jan-Apr 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015

This course provides an introduction to optical communication links and systems. We will begin by introducing the basic principles of optical transmission and the operation of components used in optical networks. We will then describe the design and performance issues for optical communication links and systems.

ECE1478S: Lasers and Detectors (formerly ECE525S)

Jan-Apr 2018, 2017, 2016

This course primarily focuses on the generation of coherent radiation. We will begin with the basic theory of the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and atoms to explain the origins of optical gain and absorption. Building from these fundamentals, we will discuss laser oscillation, paying special attention to an important class of lasers - the semiconductor laser. We will finish by discussing the sources of noise in detecting coherent radiation.

ECE1477S: Optical Interconnects

Jan-Apr 2015

This course will review the background, developments, and state-of-the-art progress for short-reach optical interconnects. The course will examine the motivations for incorporating optical communication links into computing systems, such as datacenters, servers, and multi-core processors. Topics to be discussed include the components for optical transmitters and receivers (e.g., silicon photonics, vertical cavity surface emitting lasers, distributed feedback lasers), electronic techniques to boost bandwidths, approaches to electronic-photonic integration, link budgets and impediments, single-mode vs. multi-mode fibre links, and optically-enabled system architectures. Current industry trends as well as the challenges and opportunities of optical interconnect technologies will be emphasized throughout the course.

ECE527F: Photonic Devices

Sept-Dec 2013, 2012, 2011

This course provides the fundamentals to understand, analyze, and design micro-scale photonic devices. We will begin with the wave description of light and study optical propagation in homogeneous and stratified media. Then we will study optical waveguides, which are essential to the confinement and routing of light. We will learn how to analyze and design optical reflectors, frequency filters, waveguide couplers, and resonators. We will finish with a brief description of several active devices essential to optical transmitters -- the modulator and laser.

ECE350S: Semiconductor Electronic Devices (2013), Physical Electronics (prior to 2013)

Jan-Apr 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010; Sept-Dec 2008

This course discusses the physics and operation of semiconductor electronic devices, the basis of the electronic age and modern electrical and computer engineering. We will begin with the theory of electron waves in crystals to explain the electronic properties of semiconductors. Building from these fundamentals, we will discuss the equilibrium statistics and transport properties of charge carriers. We will then apply these concepts to explain the operation of various semiconductor devices, such as the pn diodes, bipolar junction transistors, and metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors. If time permits, we will discuss optoelectronic devices and quantum transport phenomena. The application of existing and emerging electronic devices will be emphasized throughout the course.

ECE525S: Lasers and Detectors

Jan-Apr 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008

This course primarily focuses on the generation of coherent radiation. We will begin with the basic theory of the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and atoms to explain the origins of optical gain and absorption. Building from these fundamentals, we will discuss laser oscillation, paying special attention to an important class of lasers - the semiconductor laser. We will finish by discussing the sources of noise in detecting coherent radiation.

ECE1460F: Special Topics in Photonics (Semiconductor lasers and guided-wave optics)

Sept-Dec 2010

This graduate reading course covers two main topics: 1. The physics and operation of laser diodes, and 2. Guided-waves relevant for semiconductor lasers and integrated photonics. We will begin with a phenomenological description of laser action and a review of optical resonators and gratings. Then we will discuss models of and influences to optical gain in semiconductors (e.g. transition matrix elements, many-body effects, spontaneous emission factor, non-radiative transitions, strain, quantum wells). We will follow with a study of the laser dynamics, which will include small and large signal modulation, Langevin noise, and laser linewidths. In terms of guided-waves, we will review the basics of waveguides, discuss waveguide analysis and perturbation techniques that account for optical gain, absorption, and radiation, and provide a brief overview of the numerical approaches used in integrated optics and laser modelling.

ECE425S: Optical Communication Systems

Jan-Apr 2010

This course provides an overview of optical communication systems, with an emphasis on the devices and components in these systems. We will discuss optical transmitters, communication channels, amplifiers, filters, multiplexers, and receivers. As time permits, we will introduce state-of-the-art research and developments in optical communication systems, such as ultra-short distance (board-to-board, chip-to-chip) optical interconnects, advanced modulation formats, and quantum communications.