Optical Communications Interview Questions and Answers on “Electromagnetic Mode Theory for Optical Propagation”.
1. Which equations are best suited for the study of electromagnetic wave propagation?
a) Maxwell’s equations
b) Allen-Cahn equations
c) Avrami equations
d) Boltzmann’s equations
Answer: a
Explanation: Electromagnetic mode theory finds its basis in electromagnetic waves. Electromagnetic waves are always represented in terms of electric field E, magnetic field H, electric flux density D and magnetic flux density B. These set of equations are provided by Maxwell’s equations.
2. When λ is the optical wavelength in vacuum, k is given by k=2Π/λ. What does k stand for in the above equation?
a) Phase propagation constant
b) Dielectric constant
c) Boltzmann’s constant
d) Free-space constant
Answer: a
Explanation: In the above equation, k = 2Π/λ, also termed as wave equation, k gives us the direction of propagation and also the rate of change of phase with distance. Hence it is termed as phase propagation constant.
3. Constructive interference occur when total phase change after two successive reflections at upper and lower interfaces is equal to? (Where m is integer)
a) 2Πm
b) Πm
c) Πm/4
d) Πm/6
Answer: a
Explanation: The component of phase waves which is in x direction is reflected at the interference between the higher and lower refractive index media. It is assumed that such an interference forms a lowest order standing wave, where electric field is maximum at the center of the guide, decaying towards zero.
4. When light is described as an electromagnetic wave, it consists of a periodically varying electric E and magnetic field H which are oriented at an angle?
a) 90 degree to each other
b) Less than 90 degree
c) Greater than 90 degree
d) 180 degree apart
Answer: a
Explanation: In case of electromagnetic wave which occur only in presence of both electric and magnetic field, a particular change in magnetic field will result in a proportional change in electric field and vice versa. These changes result in formation of electromagnetic waves and for electromagnetic waves to occur both fields should be perpendicular to each other in direction of wave travelling.
5. A monochromatic wave propagates along a waveguide in z direction. These points of constant phase travel in constant phase travel at a phase velocity Vp is given by?
a) Vp=ω/β
b) Vp=ω/c
c) Vp=C/N
d) Vp=mass/acceleration
Answer: a
Explanation: Velocity is a function of displacement. Phase velocity Vp is a measure of angular velocity.
6. Which is the most important velocity in the study of transmission characteristics of optical fiber?
a) Phase velocity
b) Group velocity
c) Normalized velocity
d) Average velocity
Answer: b
Explanation: Group velocity is much important in relation to transmission characteristics of optical fiber. This is because the optical wave propagates in groups or form of packets of light.
7. What is refraction?
a) Bending of light waves
b) Reflection of light waves
c) Diffusion of light waves
d) Refraction of light waves
Answer: a
Explanation: Unlike reflection, refraction involves penetration of a light wave from one medium to another. While penetrating, as it passes through another medium it gets deviated at some angle.
8. The phenomenon which occurs when an incident wave strikes an interface at an angle greater than the critical angle with respect to the normal to the surface is called as ____________
a) Refraction
b) Partial internal reflection
c) Total internal reflection
d) Limiting case of refraction
Answer: c
Explanation: Total internal reflection takes place when the light wave is in the more dense medium and approaching towards the less dense medium. Also, the angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle. Critical angle is an angle beyond which no propagation takes place in an optical fiber.
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