Unit 3 VCE PHYSICS AREA OF STUDY 2
ELECTRONICS & PHOTONICS (Study design)

(Ref: http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/physics/physicsd.pdf)

Photonics is the science of using light to manipulate information and energy and involves all facets of visible, ultraviolet and infrared radiation; this includes its detection, transport, storage and manipulation. Photonics is the basis of much of modern communication technology. Photonic devices are used with electronic components in smoke detectors, burglar alarms, safety interlocks, televisions, cathode ray oscilloscopes (CRO), relative position sensors, communication devices including fibre optic cables, modulators and demodulators, CD readers and writers, and computer networks. Some phenomena which characterise the interface between electronics and photonics are introduced.

Students will use electronic and photonic devices and systems in domestic and industrial contexts.

Outcome 
On completion of this unit the student should be able to investigate, describe, compare and explain
the operation of electronic and photonic devices, and analyse their use in domestic and industrial
systems.
To achieve this outcome the student will draw on the following key knowledge and apply the key
skills listed.
Key knowledge
To achieve this outcome the student should be able to:
• apply the concepts of current, resistance, potential difference (voltage drop) and power to the
operation of electronic circuits comprising diodes, resistors, thermistors and photonic transducers
including light dependent resistors (LDR), photodiodes and light emitting diodes (LED), (V=IR,
P=VI);
• calculate the effective resistance of circuits comprising parallel and series resistance and unloaded
voltage dividers;
• describe energy transfers and transformations in opto-electronic devices;
• describe the transfer of information in analogue form (not including the technical aspects of
modulation and demodulation) using:
– light intensity modulation, i.e. changing the intensity of the carrier wave to replicate the amplitude
variation of the information signal so that the signal may propagate more efficiently
– demodulation, i.e. the separation of the information signal from the carrier wave;
• design, investigate and analyse circuits for particular purposes using technical specifications related
to potential difference (voltage drop), current, resistance, power, temperature and illumination
for electronic components such as diodes, resistors, thermistors, light dependent resistors (LDR),
photodiodes and light emitting diodes (LED);
* Analyse voltage characteristics of amplifiers including linear voltage gain (ΔVout/ΔVin) and
clipping;
• identify and apply safe and responsible practices when conducting investigations involving
electrical, electronic and photonic equipment.