Students completing the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Photonics and Laser Technology will learn the scientific principles of optics, fiber-optics, and lasers. Students will be instructed on the processes and equipment for incorporating these devices in electronic and electro-optics systems. Hands-on training will prepare students to become entry-level technicians who work on products or devices in manufacturing, communications, defense, homeland security, medical, information technology, energy, environmental monitoring, lighting, displays, and entertainment. .

This curriculum will first present a foundation of electronics curriculum core, which is critical to the success of the student in the photonics/laser technology portion of the program and in general in the photonics/electro-optic industry. A large portion of the electronics curriculum is hands on and students will spend a portion of their first year in an electronics lab. Photonics and optics will be introduced in the 2nd semester of course work. Along with gaining a strong electronics background, students will spend more than 40 percent of their time in the lab training on a variety of industrial lasers and optical systems to prepare the student for easy transition into the photonics work force.

Graduates are prepared to:

  • Work as a technician in the optics, laser, and photonics support field. Students will have demonstrated knowledge in laser systems, electronics, optics and electro-optics. In particular, graduates will be prepared for a variety of careers in design and manufacturing, materials processing, communications, medical applications, semiconductor fabrication, optical systems, electronics, military applications, sales, and education.
  • Demonstrate a foundation in electronics that includes electronic components and circuitry knowledge base.
  • Function in a professional manner in their field, and use, maintain and clean equipment and tools required in the field of optics, lasers, and photonics.
  • Analyze, configure, test, measure, troubleshoot and assist with problems that arise in a professional optics, lasers, and photonics, environment.
  • Communicate technical ideas, procedures, and results with professionals in written, oral or graphic format.

Graduates will have knowledge of the following optics intensive components:

  • Nature of light
  • Optical Components
  • Physics of Lasers and Laser Operation
  • Materials Processing Systems
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Geometric optics
  • Optical Devices and Principles of Operation
  • Fibers and Fiber Optics
  • Optical and Electro Optical Systems for Precision Measurements and Alignments
  • Applied Physics
  • Wave optics
  • Optical Support and Positioning Equipment
  • Optics of Imaging and Display
  • Holography
  • Applied Biology and Chemistry

Above program learning outcomes are derived with permission from OP-TEC’s National Photonics Skill Standards for Technicians document.

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