OPEN
Optics and Photonics Education News
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Newsletter of the Optics and Photonics College Network
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Happy 60th Birthday, Laser
From the Executive Director
Upcoming Events
Project Update: Experiment Kits for OPCN Students
Jobs for Graduating Students
LASER-TEC and Power America Collaboration
Apprentice Training for Laser Technicians - Trumpf, Germany
Update: HI-TEC 2020
IDL 2020 Resources for Student Outreach
Support from LASER-TEC
LASER-TEC Resources
Featured College: Hillsborough Community College, Tampa, FL
OPCN Member Colleges
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Upcoming Events
05/16/20
07/27/20 - 07/30/20
Online Only
08/10/20 - 08/12/20
Miramar Beach, FL
08/23/20 - 08/27/20
San Diego, CA
10/21/20 - 10/23/20
Washington, DC
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Jobs for Graduating Students
Companies contacting
LASER-TEC for technicians:
Panasonic Corporation
Laser Technician openings
CO2 and Rebuild Manager
Coherent
Fiber Laser Manufacturing Tech openings
Product Line Manager
Brimose Corp of America
Optical technician openings - fiber coupling laser
Account Manager
Companies advertising openings on Indeed.com:
Electro optics technicians:
188 nationwide
Companies:
Reliance Test & Technology (16), Northrup Grumman (13), Leonardo DRS (9), Coherent, Inc. (9), ASML (7), Applied Materials (7), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (7), Goldbelt C6 (5), Moore Nanotechnology Systems, LLC (5), IPG Photonics Corporation (5), Veterans Prime, Inc. (5), Power Grid Engineering, LLC (5), Raytheon (4), Alion Science and Technology (4), MKS Instruments (3)
Location and number of jobs:
Eglin AFB, FL (16), Melbourne, FL (10), Livermore, CA (10), Santa Clara, CA (7), Wilton, CT (7), Greenbelt, MD (5), Vance AFB, OK (5), Swanzey, NH (5), Danbury, CT (4), Oxford, MA (4), Boulder, CO (3), San Diego, CA (3), Vancouver, WA (3), Kansas City, MO (2), Bedford, NH (2)
Source:
www.indeed.com - May 12, 2020
NOTE:
Very few companies use photonics as a job title for technicians. When searching, use the job title electro optics to get the best results.
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Happy 60th Birthday, Laser
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Wonder what Billy Joel has to do with lasers and photonics? His popular 1978 album “52nd Street” was the first to be released on audio CD. This month, on May 16, we celebrate 60 years since Theodore H. Maiman, a physicist at Hughes Research Laboratories in Malibu, California, constructed the first laser using a cylinder of synthetic ruby and used photographic flashlamps as the laser’s pump source. So, hum away “Happy birthday to you” or “You had to be a big shot, didn’t you” while reading through the amazing history of the development of laser science and technology:
A History of the Laser: 1960 - 2019
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From the Executive Director
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I hope this newsletter finds you healthy and in good spirits.
The month of April was very busy for LASER-TEC building and shipping Light and Optics Experiment Kits (LOEK) to 87 students and professors from 8 different colleges. A few days ago, we asked for feedback from those using the LOEKs and we received some very positive responses. Please read the article below for more details.
Our team will continue building and shipping kits while students and colleges operate remotely. When you have the opportunity, please thank
Dr. Celeste Carter
, the Lead Director of NSF Advanced Technological Education Program, who made this possible through a supplement to LASER-TEC.
This month we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the LASER! It was May 16, 1960 when Theodore Maiman demonstrated the first LASER at Hughes Research Laboratories in Malibu, California. I thought it would be interesting to read the original MASER patent of Schawlow and Townes on which Maiman based to build the first LASER, so we posted it on our
website
. The LASER is one of the first applications of quantum mechanics in a device that became one of the most useful tools of 21st Century technologies.
Let’s continue working closely together to help each other during these difficult times, and feel free to contact me if LASER-TEC can assist you in any other way.
Best wishes for health and safety,
Chrys
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Project Update: Experiment Kits for OPCN Students
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With the support from NSF ATE, LASER-TEC is providing assistance to all OPCN colleges by sustaining students’ hands-on photonics learning during the national “stay-at-home” orders. LASER-TEC’s
Light and Optics Experiment Kit
is mailed to each OPCN student’s home address to help them complete the practical portion of the intro to photonics classes. LASER-TEC has received and fulfilled requests for the Light and Optics Experiment Kits from 8 OPCN Colleges. Between April and May of this year, we’ve assembled and mailed a total of 87 kits to students and faculty.
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Here is some of the feedback we have received about how the Kits are being used to help students and faculty continue with their laboratories:
“It has been a unique and fun experience, and I like doing the labs. Being under quarantine, I have been able to experiment with the laser and the other components. It has been a cool opportunity.”
-Luis Morales, Student of Photonics Institute of Puerto Rico, Engineering Technology in Photonics & Lasers at Universidad
“The experiment kit was very helpful. Not only did it allow us to continue working on labs at home while we waited the be able to use the equipment in the lab at school, but it was very useful to help illustrate the concepts we were learning in lecture that our instructor couldn't physically show us in the way that she normally would during an in person lecture. While I was working on the material at home, I was able to play around with the things in the kit and get a feel for how lasers behave in a way that I probably would not have under normal circumstances where most of the lab equipment was being kept in the lab at school. Very cool kit- I will continue to use it even when things go back to normal.”
-Joseph Svoboda, Student of Spokane Community College, Associate in Applied Science Degree, Electronics Engineering Technician
"This semester I am the instructor of the Fundamentals of Light and Lasers course, part of our Associate Degree in Engineering Technology in Photonics & Lasers at Universidad Ana G Mendez, Cupey campus. Quarantine in Puerto Rico due to the COVID-19 pandemic started March 15. We had only done three of our labs, in a course where we usually do 10-11 labs. The Light & Optics Experiment Kit by Laser-Tec afforded my students the opportunity to continue with our labs in a safe way, maintaining social distancing. Moreover, students have been able to play with them at home (what better way to learn?). By the end of the semester we will have done experiments 4, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 and 21. As academic director of the Puerto Rico Photonics Institute, I am very grateful to Laser-Tec for this material.”
-Dr. Andres Diaz (town of Manati, Puerto Rico)
"When we were notified, we would not be allowed on Campus for Spring quarter and we would have to teach our classes online I had no idea how I would be able to give my students the equivalent of hands-on learning with videos and simulations. Fortunately, LASER-TEC and the NSF came to the rescue. Each of my students were given a LASER-TEC Light & Optics Experiment Kit, delivered to their home. Since then they have done experiments on the Laser Safety, the Law of Reflection, the Law of Refraction, Finding the Speed of Light in an Acrylic Block, Total Internal Reflection, Laser Beam Steering, and Optical Filters. We will be back on Campus doing labs in small groups starting next week. Without these kits we would have so much to make up I am not sure we would get it done before the end of the quarter. Thank you LASER-TEC and NSF."
-Judy Irvin, Spokane Community College
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LASER-TEC Collaboration with Power America: Laser Power Source System Using Wide Bandgap Semiconductors
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LASER-TEC has received a supplemental award from the NSF ATE program to collaborate with Power America, a DOE National Advanced Manufacturing Institute, headquartered at North Carolina State University, Raleigh, in the design and development of a laser energizing source using wide bandgap semiconductor technology. The Center will also produce educational materials and curriculum for college instructors and students.
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Apprentice Training Programs for Laser Technicians - Trumpf, Germany
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In the fall of 2019, LASER-TEC delegation visited several photonics companies in Germany – the country that holds the world’s leading position in laser and optics technologies for quite a long time. Germany is known for its very successful system of preparing its technical workforce through apprenticeships and close collaboration between education and industry. Its vocational education and training system, also known as the dual training system, is highly recognized worldwide due to its combination of theory and training embedded in a real-life work environment.
During this two-week visit to Germany, LASER-TEC delegation had the chance to spend a full day at the Trumpf Ditzingen headquartered facilities, near Stuttgart. Read more about this visit on
our website
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After much discussion and input from the National Science Foundation, HI-TEC's Executive Committee has decided to cancel this year’s face-to-face conference. We highly encourage you to cancel any associated arrangements you may have made, including airfare.
All conference registration fees are fully refundable. If you registered for the main conference only with an NSF ATE Code, you are not required to take any action. If you paid for the main conference or preconference event(s) with a credit card, please go to the online registration page and click on “Already Registered.” You will then be prompted on how to cancel your registration. A refund will automatically be issued to your credit card.
The DoubleTree Portland has cancelled all HI-TEC hotel reservations. No further action is from you is required.
In place of the in-person conference, the management and committees are working to provide an abbreviated virtual experience called HI-TEC Livestream.
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International Day of Light 2020 Offers Resources for Student Outreach
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The International Day of Light, celebrated each year on May 16, is a global initiative that provides an annual focal point for the continued appreciation of light and the role it plays in science, culture and art, education, sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, and energy. Although many events and activities may no longer be able to take place as originally planned, many of those events have adopted online and virtual formats.
Check out the
#SeeTheLight initiative
, which is a worldwide message encouraging all to join the conversation and celebrate the importance of the science of light and light-based technologies in our lives. There are numerous graphically-rich and audience-specific materials—images, videos, animations, demonstrations, music, and many more. Among other resources, SPIE has even
developed images
that you can use as professional backgrounds for your future Zoom meetings.
All of these resources are great tools for our fall 2020 student outreach, which is likely to be done in a remote fashion.
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As we navigate uncharted waters together in education and workforce development programs during these unprecedented times, please let our team know what LASER-TEC can do to help you, your students, or your classes. Will a short-term professional development be helpful? If yes, which topics would you like to see offered? How about student outreach? Do you need any help with a list of vendors to stock your labs for your hybrid classes? Please share your thoughts by contacting Chrys Panayiotou at
cpanayio@irsc.edu
or by filling out this form:
https://bit.ly/3fHIPzd
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Whether you are looking for support with your college program's outreach, curriculum design, academic-business partnerships, or student placement, LASER-TEC has resources for you. Visit the Resources tab
on our website
to browse textbooks, kits, laboratory manuals, and informational and outreach materials. The current collection is comprised of both LASER-TEC and OP-TEC materials. Don't forget to check this page often, as we will constantly upload additional resources.
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Featured College: Hillsborough Community College - Tampa, FL
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Hillsborough Community College offers Associate in Science degrees in Electronics Engineering Technology and Computer Engineering Technology. Our students find jobs at companies such as Raytheon, Honeywell, Crystal Movers, and Sensor Systems.
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Electronics Engineering Technology AS
The electronics engineering technology AS degree program prepares you for an entry-level position as an electronics engineering technician who assists engineers in planning, research, development and design.
The coursework focuses on the skills needed for troubleshooting electronic equipment, performing operations, calculations, testing and reporting.
The State of Florida has established the AS degree in electronics engineering technology as a transfer degree to any Florida public university with a Bachelor's degree in electronics engineering technology or general engineering technology (electrical track) under the provisions of Rule 6A- 10.024.
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Computer Engineering Technology AS
The computer engineering technology AS degree program prepares you for an entry-level position as a computer technician. The coursework focuses on the diagnosis and repair of hardware and software in micro, mini and mainframe computers. With minimal additional specialized training, you may become a field or in-house shop technician.
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- Use lab and test equipment; such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, multi-meters, and benchtop power supplies
- Build electronic circuits on a breadboards and pc boards
- Read schematic diagrams and interpret datasheets
- Troubleshoot electronic circuits
- Mesh and Nodal Analysis of electronic circuits in AC and DC
- Digital Fundamentals: including Boolean algebra and latches/flip-flops
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- Linear Integrated Circuits: construct operational amplifier circuits
- Communications Systems: construct AM and FM circuits, and use of Software Defined Radio
- Photonics and Lasers: align optical systems, build laser drivers, and apply lasers in electronics
- Solid State Devices: build circuits with bipolar junction transistors and MOSFETS
- Microprocessors and Microcontrollers: design and program microcontroller circuits
- Robotics: Program EPSON 6-axis robots using EPSON software and simulation
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Contact Information
Name: Tracy Barnes
Telephone: (813) 253-7537
Address:
4001 W Tampa Bay Blvd, Tampa, FL 33614
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How can I recruit from this college?
Come to our Dale Mabry Campus to present your employment opportunities to our students.
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OPCN Member Colleges
The Optics and Photonics College Network (OPCN) is an association of postsecondary photonics technician educators operated by LASER-TEC. To learn more about the OPCN and to view the list of member institutions, please visit
www.laser-tec.org/opcn
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Please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone who may find it's contents valuable.
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Join the Conversation
We hope you enjoyed this edition of the OPEN newsletter. We would really like to hear from you. If there is some subject that you would like us to discuss or look into, please let us know at
info@laser-tec.org
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OPEN is published by the LASER-TEC Center for Laser and Fiber Optics Education
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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. DUE-1700352. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
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