For seniors or first-year graduate students, this text is a general introduction to optical electronics with a strong emphasis on underlying physical properties and on the design of optical communications systems. Jones provides balanced coverage of optical fibers, transmitting devices, photodetectors, and systems; and pays special attention to topics of emerging importance, including integrated optical devices, heterodyne detection, and coherent optical systems. The book's practical, engineering orientation satisfies the latest ABET recommendations for more design instruction in electrical engineering courses.