Reconfigurable reflective arrayed waveguide grating using optimization algorithms.

In this paper we report the experimental realization of a reconfigurable reflective arrayed waveguide grating on silicon nitride technology, using optimization algorithms borrowed from machine learning applications. A dozen of band-shape responses, as well as a spectral resolution change, are demonstrated in the optical telecom C-band, alongside a proof of operation of the same device in the O-band. In the context of programmable and reconfigurable integrated photonics, this building block supports multi-wavelength/band spectral shaping of optical signals that can serve to multiple applications.

8 × 8 SOA-based optical switch with zero fiber-to-fiber insertion loss.

The design, fabrication, and characterization of an 8×8 lossless optical switch, based on semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) gates, is reported. It comprises three stages of 2×2 switches into an 8×8 Banyan switch, for a total of 48 SOAs. Three SOAs on each optical path provide gain to compensate for on-chip and fiber coupling loss, thereby making the optical switch lossless. All 64 optical paths demonstrate error-free 10 Gbps NRZ PRBS-31 transmission with at least 30 dB signal-to-noise ratio and less than 0.9 dB power penalty.

Integrated Optic Sensing Spectrometer: Concept and Design.

In this paper the concept and design of an integrated optical device featuring evanescent field sensing and spectrometric analysis is presented. The device, termed integrated optics sensing spectrometer (IOSS), consists of a modified arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) which arms are engineered into two sets having different focal points. Half of the arms are exposed to the outer media, while the other half are left isolated, thus the device can provide both sensing and reference spectra. Two reference designs are provided for the visible and near-infrared wavelengths, aimed at the determination of the concentration of known solutes through absorption spectroscopy.

Validación dimensional del Student Engagement Questionnaire (SEQ) en población universitaria española. Capacidades del alumno y entorno de enseñanza/aprendizaje / The dimensional validation of the Student Engagement Questionnaire (SEQ) with a Spanish university population. Students' capabilities and the teaching-learning environment

En este trabajo se validó el cuestionario SEQ (Study Engagement Questionnaire) de Kember y Leung (2009) en una muestra española. Es un instrumento diseñado para realizar una evaluación conjunta de los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje en la universidad y devolver feed-back a los profesores y a las instituciones para la mejora de estos procesos. Se utilizó una muestra de 805 sujetos de tres universidades valencianas. El cuestionario evalúa diversas capacidades del alumno así como la capacidad del profesor para diseñar un entorno de aprendizaje idóneo para aprender. Ha tenido varias versiones hasta conseguir una estabilidad notable en sus dimensiones (variables latentes) y en las relaciones entre las variables que contempla. Mediante análisis factorial confirmatorio se ha corroborado la estructura propuesta por los autores así como las relaciones entre las variables involucradas. El instrumento parece, pues, adecuado para ser utilizado en muestras españolas para el propósito para el que fue diseñado

In this work, the SEQ (Student Engagement Questionnaire - Kember & Leung, 2009) was validated with a Spanish sample. This instrument is designed to make a joint assessment of teaching-learning processes at university and to provide feedback to teachers and institutions to improve these processes. A sample of 805 subjects from three Valencian universities was used. The questionnaire assesses the capabilities of several students, and the teacher’s ability to design an adequate learning environment. Several versions have been developed until its dimensions (latent variables), and the relations between the involved variables, achieve high degree of stability. A confirmatory factor analysis corroborated the structure proposed by the authors and the relations between the involved variables. Hence the instrument seems suitable to be used in Spanish samples for the proposal it was designed for

Silicon Nitride Photonic Integration Platforms for Visible, Near-Infrared and Mid-Infrared Applications.

Silicon nitride photonics is on the rise owing to the broadband nature of the material, allowing applications of biophotonics, tele/datacom, optical signal processing and sensing, from visible, through near to mid-infrared wavelengths. In this paper, a review of the state of the art of silicon nitride strip waveguide platforms is provided, alongside the experimental results on the development of a versatile 300 nm guiding film height silicon nitride platform.

Metodología innovadora en la universidad. Sus efectos sobre los procesos de aprendizaje de los estudiantes universitarios / Innovative methodology at the university. Its effects on learning processes of university students

Se pretendía evaluar el impacto de metodología centrada en el aprendizaje sobre las estrategias de aprendizaje y los enfoques de aprendizaje de un grupo de alumnos de Química, de 1º curso de Ingeniería, de la Universitat Politècnica de València. Se utilizó un diseño preexperimental, con medidas de pretest y postest, tomadas mediante el cuestionario CEVEAPEU y el CPE. La muestra estaba constituida por 20 alumnos. Los métodos docentes utilizados integraban metodología expositiva, preguntas, resolución de problemas, elaboración de una monografía, exposiciones orales, prácticas de laboratorio, trabajo en grupo, tutorías en el aula y un sistema de evaluación que hacía uso de procedimientos formativos que devolvían feedback a los estudiantes (dos pruebas diagnósticas, valoración de problemas resueltos, autoevaluación mediante el uso de la plataforma de elearning de la universidad, evaluación de las exposiciones orales en clase, pruebas escritas, etc.). Se encontraron mejoras significativas en las estrategias de aprendizaje en el postest y en las puntuaciones de enfoque profundo

We wanted to assess the impact of learning-centered methodology on learning strategies and learning approaches of a students‟ group of Chemistry. They were first year engineering students from the Polytechnic University of Valencia. We used a pre-experimental design with pretest and posttest measures by means of the CEVEAPEU and CPE questionnaires. The sample consisted of 20 students. The teaching methods included expositive methodology, questions, problem solving, development of a monograph, presentations, laboratory practices, team work, tutoring in the classroom and an evaluation system that made use of training procedures that returned feedback to students (two diagnostic tests, assessment of solved problems, self-assessment using the e-learning platform of the university, oral assessment in class, written tests, etc..). Significant improvements in learning strategies scores in the posttest and increasing in deep approach were found

Reflective arrayed waveguide gratings based on Sagnac loop reflectors with custom spectral response.

In this paper, a model for the analysis and design of a reflective Arrayed Waveguide Grating is presented. The device consists of one half of a regular AWG where each arm waveguide in the array is terminated with a phase shifter and a Sagnac loop reflector. By individually adjusting the phase shifter and Sagnac reflectivity in each arm, additional functionality to that previously reported in the literature is attained, since this enables tailoring the spectral response of the AWG. The design and experimental demonstration of Gaussian pass-band shape devices in Silicon-on-Insulator technology are reported. Methods to obtain flattened and arbitrary spectral responses are described and supported by simulation results.

Full field model for interleave-chirped arrayed waveguide gratings.

In this paper, a theoretical model for an Interleave-Chirped Arrayed Waveguide Grating (IC-AWG) is presented. The model describes the operation of the device by means of a field (amplitude and phase) transfer response. The validation of the model is accomplished by means of simulations, using parameters from previously fabricated devices. A novel design procedure is derived from the model, and it is later on employed to demonstrate the design of colorless universal IC-AWGs. The model can be readily applied to the analysis and design of future multi-wavelength optical coherent communications receivers and optical waveform analyzers.