OPEN Optics and Photonics Education News
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Newsletter of the Optics and Photonics College Network |
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A 60th Anniversary Celebration of the Laser
From the Executive Director
Upcoming Events
Professional Development Courses in Photonics
Jobs for Graduating Students
REMINDER: Order Light and Optics Experiment Kits for Fall Classes
Outreach During the Pandemic
Our OPCN Network is Growing!
New Edition of Laser Safety Standard ANSI Z136.5 for Educational Institutions
LASER-TEC Finishes its Seventh Year of Operation
LASER-TEC Resources
Featured College: Springfield Technical Community College - Springfield, MA
OPCN Member Colleges
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Upcoming Events
July - August 2020
Online
08/10/2020 - 08/12/2020
Online
08/24/2020 - 08/28/2020
Online
08/26/2020
Online
10/19/20 - 10/23/20
Online
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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: 170 nationwide
Companies: Santa Clara, CA (10), Melbourne, FL (8), Eglin AFB, FL (8), Wilton, CT (5), San Diego, CA (5), Livermore, CA (4), Keene, NH (4), Tucson, AZ (4), Bozeman, MT (3), Swanzey, NH (3), Vandenberg AFB, CA (3), Boulder, CO (3), Hampton, VA (3), Orlando, FL (3), Huntsville, AL (2)
Location and number of jobs:
Reliance Test & Technology (8), Leonardo DRS (7), Coherent, Inc. (6), Applied Materials (6)
Corning (6), Veterans Prime, Inc. (5), ASML (5), Areté (5), IPG Photonics Corporation (4), Power Grid Engineering, LLC (4), Alion Science and Technology (4), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (4), Moore Nanotechnology Systems, LLC (3), Psionic (3), BAE Systems (3)
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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A 60th Anniversary Celebration of the Laser |
On July 15, 2020, Laser Focus World hosted a webcast “A 60th Anniversary Celebration of the Laser”. This webcast offers a full overview of laser technology development from 1960s to the present times. Interesting historical facts, technical data, and a downloadable presentation can be used for college photonics programs outreach and intro to photonics courses.
Find more information and the link to the recorded webinar here.
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From the Executive Director |
As we all prepare for the fall 2020 semester, we continue shipping Light and Optics Experiment Kits (LOEK) to students nation-wide. The accompanying videos are finished and available on our YouTube channel.
This fall, we are offering two online courses for incumbent workers of the US industry that need upskilling in photonics and optics. These courses are also available to educators with LASER-TEC waiving the tuition fees upon request. See more information in the newsletter.
A new recruiting flyer was developed targeting workers that lost their jobs due to COVID-19 and demonstrates how they can quickly gain new skills in photonics that can lead to more secure jobs in essential industries. The flyer can be downloaded and customized for your own college.
Please help me welcome the following new colleges to our OPCN community:
Young Harris College, GA, Sussex County Community College, NJ, and Truckee Meadows Community College, NV. We also welcome the high school Regents School of Austin, TX.
ANSI has just approved the new version of Z136.5, the Laser Safety Standard for Educational Institutions. See below an overview of the updated standard from the chair of the committee and OPCN member Fred Seeber.
Wishing you a successful and productive fall semester,
Chrys
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Professional Development Courses in Photonics |
This fall, LASER-TEC is launching two professional development courses in photonics for educators and industry. The theoretical part of each course is offered online, and the practical sessions are scheduled to be held at Indian River State College in December 2020. The tuition cost is waived for all K-12 and college educators; however, attendees are responsible for travel, lodging, and other affiliated costs to participate in the laboratory sessions. |
INTRO TO PHOTONICS
Online: Aug. 17 - Oct. 18, 2020
Practical: Dec. 11, 2020
Fort Pierce, FL
Topics include:
- Fundamental principles of light, its nature, and behavior in different media
- Concepts of light generation and manipulation
- Basic optical components and various mounts
- Importance of cleaning and techniques of optical components
- Fundamentals of laser operation and optical power meter use with emphasis on laser safety concepts
Hands-on experiments include: Reflection, refraction, diffraction, and absorption of light, optical cleaning techniques, optical positioning and alignment, measurements of laser outputs, safe operation of low power lasers, diode and He-Ne lasers.
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GEOMETRICAL AND PHYSICAL OPTICS
Online: Oct. 19 - Dec. 12, 2020
Practical: Dec. 12, 2020
Fort Pierce, FL
You will explore:
- Law of Reflection and Snell's Law of Refraction
- Ray-tracing techniques
- Optical alignment
- Light interference
- Light diffraction, Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction
- Light polarization, Malus Law, Brewster's angle
- Laser structure and functions of it's various components
Hands-on experiments include: Manipulation of light with mirrors and lenses, performing several techniques for optical system alignment, investigation of light interference on pinholes and slits, use of light diffraction to determine the size of small objects, use light polarization to control light intensity.
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REMINDER: Order Light and Optics Experiment Kits for Fall Classes |
As COVID-19 resurges, many colleges adjust their plans for in-person reopening in the fall by operating on the side of caution. Colleges that struggle to sustain the practical component of their beginner photonics courses in the fall can request that LASER-TEC mail the Light and Optics Experiment Kits directly to the home address of students and faculty.
Each kit is accompanied by the Lab Manual that includes 23 experiments; a majority of which can be conducted using the components included in the kit. Students and faculty can follow the instructional lab videos which are now available on our YouTube channel. Learn more about how LASER-TEC can help here.
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Outreach During the Pandemic |
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Due to the spread of COVID-19, student and public outreach has remained one of the most challenging tasks for all photonics programs. During the summer months, faculty and administrators deployed many creative solutions to reach out to students and their parents. Many programs have been relying on their social media platforms, others recorded videos and shared them through networks of K-12 ambassadors. Online summer programs, remote lab visits, and interviews kept students engaged.
LASER-TEC has developed a flyer showcasing the fast-track training paths in photonics and career opportunities in industries that were deemed essential. This flyer is available for all OPCN colleges in an editable format. A college can adopt this flyer according to its specific course offerings, hiring companies, laboratory facilities, and more. If you would like to receive the electronic file for this flyer, please contact us at info@laser-tec.org.
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Our OPCN Network is Growing! |
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We are delighted to introduce and welcome new members of the OPCN group who joined us in the last couple of months:
Arunava Roy, a physics professor in the Physical Sciences Department at Young Harris College, Young Harris, GA. Arunava modularly integrated photonics in the physics class that is being offered in fall 2020.
Brian Lake, a supervisor of the newly established Optics Technology Program at Sussex County Community College, NJ. This program is strongly supported by photonics companies such as ThorLabs, Esco Optics, Inrad Optics, and others. Photonics courses are being offered in fall 2020.
Chanda Ilunga Guy, an instructor of Applied Technologies, Truckee Meadows Community College, NV. Chanda is interested in integrating laser and laser safety courses in the Manufacturing Technologies program that has a strong partnership with Tesla Gigafactory in Reno.
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New Edition of Laser Safety Standard ANSI Z136.5 for Educational Institutions |
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Contributed Dr. Fred P. Seeber
Professor Emeritus of Physics/Photonics, Chair ANSI SSC-5 Committee [Responsible for the Z136.5 Laser Safety Standard], OPCN Member
Lasers are an enabling technology being deployed in all sectors of our economy. Depending upon one’s perspective the introduction of lasers in education is either “trickle down” from research and development facilities or “organic”, driven by parents encouraging that this ubiquitous tool for science, technology, engineering and math is deployed to encourage and inspire our next and future generations of problem solvers. ANSI Z136.5-2020 “Safe Use of Lasers in Educational institutions” is the ‘go to’ standard for applied laser safety in learning environments from grade schools through to college levels.
This practical standard for laser safety applied in educational environments was written with the educator and student in mind, that may for the first time be reading through a regulatory safety standard. Feedback from the education sector that have participated in Laser Safety Officer training and SSC-5 committee members expressed a need for more structured guidance and examples.
The net result is that this new version is a 38% increase in content over the 2009 revision, including:
- New and updated definitions
- A listing of Acronyms and Abbreviations
- More detailed information on laser pointers and their safe use
- Improved guidance on appropriate lasers respective of educational class levels
- Expanded safety guidance on demonstration lasers with the public
- Updated tables, for example: Maximum Permissible Exposures [MPEs] and Nominal Ocular Hazard Distances [NOHD]
- Current warning signs, compliant with ANSI Z535 and ISO 3864 with example lab layouts in color
- New color figures and examples in the appendices illustrating exposure conditions and hazard evaluations
- More detailed appendices and references for the organization and implementation of laser safety and training programs, including scope and structure of a written laser safety program
The Z136 review process within the SSC-5 subcommittee for laser safety in educational institutions and then the greater main Laser Safety Z136 body, further strengthened and refined this world class standard for laser safety in educational environments.
Dr. Seeber states: That the ANSI Z136.5 Safe Use of Lasers in Educational Institutions represents the latest and best in class for practical laser safety for students, educators and administrators. And as laser technology continues to grow in capabilities and adoption in the economy, our educational institutions now have access to the appropriate and practical guidance for any laser safety concerns.
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LASER-TEC Finishes its Seventh Year of Operation |
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This month, we are wrapping up our seventh year since our Center was established back in 2013. In the face of many challenges and unpredictable turns, we’ve had a good and successful year. Our accomplishments, outcomes, and impact can be found in the Annual Evaluation and the National Visiting Committee reports.
In September of this year, LASER-TEC will transition to a Resource Center, focusing on updating and developing materials and their dissemination.
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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: Springfield Technical Community College - Springfield, MA |
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STCC’s Associate of Science Degree and One-Year Certificate program in Optics and Photonics Technology prepare engineering technicians with the knowledge and skills of lasers, optics, and electronics needed to design, test and maintain complex optical and photonic systems. Graduates work side-by-side with engineers and scientists involved with cutting-edge applications in a wide variety of highly technical applications including laser materials processing, fiber optic communications, precision optical manufacturing & metrology, aerospace & defense, homeland security, medical device fabrication, nanotechnology, integrated photonic devices and many others. As the only program of its kind in New England, STCC’s Optics and Photonics Technology graduates are highly sought by industry and have enjoyed excellent job placement and salaries since 1976. Companies that hire STCC graduates include MIT Lincoln Labs, Northrop-Grumman, Coherent Laser, Lumentum, Trumpf Laser, OFS Fiber, IPG Photonics, Convergent Photonics, Viavi, II-VI Corp., L3, Zygo, and many more. |
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Associate of Science Degree and One-year Certificate Programs in Optics and Photonics Technology
One and two-year programs with strong interdisciplinary core curriculum provide extensive hands-on training in state-of-the-art optics and photonics labs. The one-year certificate program, which serves as the first year of the Associate Degree program, provides students with extensive theoretical and hands-on training in lasers and laser systems, fiber optics, geometric optics, electronics, SolidWorks and manufacturing essentials. The Associate degree program builds on the certificate program by providing additional advanced coursework in industrial laser applications, wave optics, advanced topics and a year-long senior capstone project. The curriculum is heavily project- and problem-based and the majority of students are afforded paid internship opportunities with local laser and optics companies.
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Skills of AS degree graduates: |
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- Align, clean, build and test complex optical systems
- Strip, cleave, clean and align multimode, singlemode, and dual-clad fiber
- Calculate and measure fiber optic power loss in decibels and power in dBm
- Terminate and test fiber optic cables for connector and insertion loss.
- Operate OTDRs, fusion splicers, optical spectrum analyzers, fiber inspection microscopes and fiber optic loss test sets.
- Identify fiber loss mechanisms and create fiber optic power budgets.
- Align, operate and characterize of LEDs, laser diodes, and photodetectors.
- Operate, test and troubleshoot erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA), wavelength-division multiplexers, add/drop multiplexers, circulators, thin-film filters, and fiber-Bragg gratings
- Design, build and test electronic circuits and devices
- Use oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, spectrum analyzers and laboratory power supplies
- Apply electrical and laser safety standards and practices
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- Operate, test and maintain Ytterbium-doped and Erbium-doped fiber lasers
- Operate, test and maintain CO2, Argon-Krypton, and HeNe gas lasers
- Use a laser power and energy meters to measure the output power and energy of a laser
- Use a laser beam profiler to measure the spatial output characteristics of a laser
- Use an optical spectrum analyzer to measure the temporal output characteristics of a laser
- Test, maintain and troubleshoot basic laser components
- Produce linearly and circularly polarized light
- Construct and align Michelson, Twyman-Green and Mach-Zehnder Interferometer
- Use low and high power CO2 lasers for materials processing of metals, plastic and organic materials
- Use low and high power Ytterbium fiber lasers for materials processing metals
- Align and operate a Zygo interferometer for precision optical metrology
- Assemble, solder, test and troubleshoot electronic printed circuit boards
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Certificate (One-year)
Optics and Photonics Technology
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Contact Information
Name: Dr. Nicholas Massa
Telephone: (413) 755-4579
Address: 1 Armory Square, Springfield, MA 01102
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How can I recruit from this college?
Come to our college to present your company and employment opportunities to our students. We will make available, free of charge, a private room to interview interested students. Please contact the person below to make arrangements for a recruiting visit. Graduates are available every December and May.
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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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