IB Extended Essay in Physics, focusing on Fibre optics, any pointers?

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SUMMARY

Joe, a 17-year-old student in the International Baccalaureate program, is working on his Extended Essay in Physics, focusing on the use of different LED colors for data transmission through fiber optics. He has conducted an experiment measuring light intensity variation with voltage for yellow (590nm), green (535nm), red (625nm), and blue (470nm) LEDs. Joe is considering exploring the physics of broadband, including cost-effectiveness comparisons between fiber optics and copper, and intends to incorporate concepts like the photoelectric effect and Snell's Law into his essay. He seeks guidance on structuring his essay and developing a clear title.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fiber optics and its applications in telecommunications.
  • Knowledge of LED properties, including wavelength and light intensity.
  • Familiarity with Snell's Law and the photoelectric effect.
  • Basic principles of experimental design and data analysis.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of broadband technologies and their efficiency compared to copper.
  • Learn about the manufacturing processes of fiber optic cables.
  • Investigate the impact of different LED wavelengths on data transmission efficiency.
  • Explore case studies or interviews with broadband companies regarding fiber optics versus copper.
USEFUL FOR

Students undertaking the International Baccalaureate Extended Essay, particularly those focusing on physics and telecommunications, as well as educators guiding students in research methodologies and essay structuring.

TheJoe
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I am not entirely sure where to post this, please tell me if anything needs to be changed


This is my first post so i'll introduce myself...

My name is Joe, currently aged 17 and in year 13 in school in Kent, Uk doing the International Baccalaureate (Not sure how well known this is? Quite a few people I have spoken to haven't known, so i'll clarify. Instead of A levels, 6 subjects are taken, 3 at higher, 3 at standard. Also, 150 hours of CAS [Creativity, Action, Service - basically clubs, community work, etc.], Theory of Knowledge [Sort of like 'learning how to learn', not sure if like critical thinking at A-level?] and the Extended Essay.)

At Higher I am taking Physics, Philosophy and Computer Science. At standard: English, Maths and Italian ab initio... I have an interest in Physics, in the Feb of 08 I went to CERN to view the Atlas and CMS experiments/detectors - they weren't finished at this time but it was a good visit

Right... not really sure how much of that is helpful but focusing back on the subject of the post...

The extended essay is an essay on a subject of your choice, coming to around 4000 words ± 10% ish

I have chosen Physics, at this time I have performed an experiment to find the variation of light intensity with voltage of LED lights to (try to) discover what the 'best' colour would be to send data down fibre optic cable, idea being that the colour which (ideally) needed the least voltage and had the greatest variation in light levels would be best?

Now, I have varied results for a yellow LED (wavelength 590nm), Green LED (wl 535nm), Red LED (wl 625nm), Blue LED (470nm)

This is what I have done because before the holidays I needed to have an experiment done, I am not fully sure what to do next

I have thought about possibly doing the essay on the physics of broadband? a cost effectiveness idea could be a good tie in for using different colours in the efficiency experiment. Possibly also contacting broadband companies to ask them on their thoughts for what is better, copper or fibre optics or any other possible ways to go about it? I thought I could write a lot about the basics of fibre optics, a little on manufacturing, LEDs, the photoelectric effect, Snell's Law, materials, broadband, a little on copper as a possible rival,

At the moment that seems most likely, but I am yet to have a full title for the essay but as you can see I have gone about it slightly bizarrely...

Coming to what I need, possibly some pointers or ideas? I am unsure of how to structure the essay, ANY help or ideas will be greatly appreciated and taken into my notes for thinking about

I really hope this makes sense, and isn't just a block of text that is horrible to understand,

Joe
 
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Anyone have any ideas?
 

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