Glossary of photonic and optical terms

45 key terms from optics, photonics, optical telecommunications, and engineering simulation — explained clearly, with application examples and links to related tools.

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Telecommunications

BER

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Simulation methods

BPM

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Geometric optics and lighting

BSDF

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Telecommunications

Chromatic dispersion

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Advanced topics

Co-packaged optics

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Advanced topics

Coherent detection

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Photonics and PIC

Compact model (PIC)

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Sensing and gratings

DTS

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Telecommunications

DWDM

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Telecommunications

EDFA

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Sensing and gratings

FBG

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Simulation methods

FDTD

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Simulation methods

FEM in optics

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Photonics and PIC

Grating coupler

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Geometric optics and lighting

Irradiance

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Advanced topics

LiDAR

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Sensing and gratings

LPG

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Photonics and PIC

Mach-Zehnder modulator

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Simulation methods

Mode solver

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Simulation methods

Monte Carlo method in optics

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Geometric optics and lighting

MTF

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Simulation methods

Non-sequential ray tracing

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Advanced topics

Nonlinear optics

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Advanced topics

Numerical aperture

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Advanced topics

OCT

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Telecommunications

Optical Q-factor

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Photonics and PIC

Optical waveguide

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Sensing and gratings

OTDR

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Photonics and PIC

PDK (Process Design Kit)

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Advanced topics

Photonic crystals

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Photonics and PIC

PIC (Photonic Integrated Circuit)

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Advanced topics

Plasmonics

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Telecommunications

PMD

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Geometric optics and lighting

PST

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Advanced topics

QKD

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Simulation methods

Ray tracing

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Photonics and PIC

Ring resonator

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Simulation methods

Sequential ray tracing

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Photonics and PIC

Silicon photonics

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Geometric optics and lighting

Spherical aberration

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Sensing and gratings

SPR

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Geometric optics and lighting

Stray light

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Geometric optics and lighting

TIR

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Geometric optics and lighting

UGR

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Telecommunications

WDM

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