The e-book 100 educational activities about Light and Photonics is a quick reference guide to freely available resource for teachers and educators. The list of activities consists of educational activities for children 6 years and older and includes material developed by Opticks4Kids, Exploratorium.edu, the Optical Society, TeachEngineering and Universe Awareness, among others.
Career Pathways for STEM Technicians is a book compiled by Dan Hull to offer a practical solution to America’s technician shortage in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
A comprehensive textbook with pedagogical supporting materials: course shells, teacher and student resources available through OpenStax. Optics topics are covered in chapters 24, 25, 26, 27.
Informational poster about diode lasers. It features general definitions, energy level diagram, advantages, common applications, materials used in diode lasers, and output characteristics of diode lasers.
Mathematics skills are essential for satisfactory progress in learning the technical content of material found in typical two-year engineering technology education programs. Students entering such programs come with varying backgrounds of mathematics achievement. This is a student review and study guide to help aspiring engineering technicians begin their studies with adequate math skills. Topics Include: Scientific Notification & Unit Conversion;…
Informational poster about fiber lasers. It features general definitions, energy level diagram, advantages, common applications, various configurations and structure of fiber lasers.
An easy-to-read introductory textbook written for the technologist and technician in mind. It provides the skills and theory necessary for someone who wants to enter the fiber optics field. It includes laboratory exercises with the latest industrial equipment. View lecture videos for this textbook.
This course provides a practical, real-world perspective on the fundamentals of fiber optics technology and optical data communications. It examines the reasons why optical fibers are the preferred communications medium, surpassing copper wire in all performance measures. A thorough explanation of how fibers work will be offered, as well as useful coverage of other related optical components and how those…
A technician-level, standards-based comprehensive study of basic photonics concepts. For students in AAS optics, laser/electro-optics, and photonics enabled technology programs, high school dual-credit courses, or for employed technicians working in photonics enabled areas. Third Edition incorporates glossary, index, and text corrections. View resources for this textbook.
This course teaches principles of geometrical and physical optics that can be applied in the fields of electronics, instrumentation, telecommunications, and biomedical equipment. The first half of this course will be focused on the fundamentals of geometrical optics. Participants will learn how to manipulate light using mirrors and lenses. The theoretical analysis based on ray-tracing techniques and mathematical equations will…
A collection of copyright free images of girls and women in photonics technologies. Contains 17 high-quality photos. For non-commercial purposes only. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
Informational poster about HeNe lasers. It features general definitions, energy level diagram, advantages, common applications, structure of the resonator cavity, information about longitudinal and transverse modes, conditions for stable resonators, and characteristics of HeNe lasers.
A brief reference guide in fundamentals of fiber optics and testing developed by IDEAL Industries Inc.,- a telecommunication and electrical equipment manufacturer. This document includes brief explanations on the following topics: principles of fiber optics and fiber optics communication, terminations, testing, project estimation and bidding. It can be used as a supplement reading in college-level fiber optics classes or on-the-job…
This monograph presents successful student retention strategies of seasoned photonics faculty members to other faculty members so that they may greatly increase their students’ completion rates.
Integrated Photonics is a five-module course that provides an overview of the technology, device characteristics, fabrication techniques and equipment, and applications in high-speed computing, telecommunications, biomedicine, and other fields.
This course provides entering students with an overview of laser and optics technology and its applications. This 15-module course requires no prerequisites and can be taught for one or two-credits in the first term.
This course covers the fundamental principles of light, such as the terminology relating to light, the behavior of light in different environments, and light generation and manipulation. Concepts such as reflection, refraction, diffraction, and absorption of light will be explained theoretically and through simple experiments. Course participants will be exposed to basic optical components used in a photonics lab, and…
This module is one of four pertaining to manufacturing as a photonics-enabled technology. The modules pertaining to each technology can be used as a unit or independently, as long as prerequisites have been met.
Informational poster about laser safety. It features updated laser classifications according to ANSI Z136.1., typical laser hazards, safe work practices, list of common lasers, their wavelengths with relevant average power density and exposure time data, formulas for calculation of OD and transmittance, and schematics of propagation of different wavelengths in the human eye.
Laser Systems and Applications, 2nd Edition is the student text and laboratory manual for a two-semester, hands-on course to support curriculum for educating and training photonics systems technicians. It is preceded by a one-semester course, Fundamentals of Light and Lasers. These materials are used in Associate of Applied Science (AAS) curricula in two-year colleges, as well as for educating employed…
This module is one of four pertaining to manufacturing as a photonics-enabled technology. The modules pertaining to each technology can be used as a unit or independently, as long as prerequisites have been met.
Designed for students of all ages, this kit gives students an opportunity to build their own laser-enabled security system. Equipped with a laser, photo sensor, sound alarm, and all necessary tools, this kit can be used for classroom activities and outreach events. When using this kit, through interactive exploration and engagement, students enhance their critical thinking, problem solving, troubleshooting, and…
Lasers in Medicine and Surgery was created to provide a fundamental background for technicians on the theory of laser-tissue interactions as well as to describe commonly used lasers in medicine, optical delivery systems, and accessories frequently used with lasers. Numerous medical fields have been impacted by the use of lasers, including cosmetic dermatology, ophthalmology, dentistry, urology, and many others. Lasers…
This module is one of four pertaining to manufacturing as a photonics-enabled technology. The modules pertaining to each technology can be used as a unit or independently, as long as prerequisites have been met.
This course introduces the fundamental properties of light, including its interaction with and generation from materials. Optical hardware is used in lecture demonstrations and laboratory experiments to show how light can be controlled. Essential components of optical systems are studied, including lenses, mirrors, prisms, windows, sources, detectors, optoelectronics, polarizers, fibers, and gratings. Students will gain hands-on experience with industrial hardware…
The Light and Optics Experiment Book includes 23 experiments that guide in the exploration of the fundamentals of geometrical and wave optics, lasers, laser safety, optical alignment, and experimental data analysis. The instructor edition includes answer keys and solutions.
A student lab workbook that includes 23 experiments in the fundamentals of geometrical and wave optics, lasers, laser safety, optical alignment, and experimental data analysis using the Light and Optics Experiment Kit.
The demonstration lesson plans were written to accompany the Light and Optics Exploration Kit. It consists of 15 richly-illustrated demonstrations that can be used in the classroom to bring awareness, excitement, and the aspiration to learn more about the science of light, lasers and optics. All demonstrations have been cross-referenced with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Leave Your Feedback
The demonstration lesson plans were written to accompany the Light and Optics Exploration Kit. It consists of 15 richly-illustrated demonstrations that can be used bring awareness, excitement, and the aspiration to learn more about the science of light, lasers and optics. All demonstrations have been cross-referenced with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Leave Your Feedback
Developed with a grant from the OSA Foundation, this book was written for K-12 teachers and contains 30 ready-to-go labs, complete with answer key, as well as 10 demonstrations. Most of the activities can be conducted with common materials found at department or hardware stores, or easily ordered online.
In collaboration with the Girl Scouts of the USA, the OSA Foundation developed a guide that introduces girls to basic concepts in optics and encourages the study of science. Topics include: the nature of light, spectrum, colors, reflection, refraction, lasers, optical fiber, possible career pathways, and career profiles of women in photonics.
This course is a hands-on laboratory course that will detail the measurement techniques required to ensure that a fabricated assembly or system of optics meets its procurement specifications. It covers the design and application of optical metrology instrumentation such as interferometers and modulation transfer function measurement systems. Emphasis is on test applications that are required in optical engineering and manufacturing.…
The generation, transport, manipulation, detection, and use of light are at the heart of photonics. Photonics is a growing career field with a projected growth rate of 10% to 20% over the next decade. Photonics technicians and engineers must master new concepts, learn new techniques, and develop new skills derived from a highly developed understanding of the nature of light…
Holography is a much broader field than most people have perceived. Recording and displaying truly three-dimensional images are only small parts of it. Holographic optical elements (HOE) can perform the functions of mirrors, lenses, gratings, or combinations of them, and they are used in myriad technical devices. Holographic interferometry measures microscopic displacement on the surface of an object and small…
This module addresses various non-laser light sources, such as incandescent lamps, fluorescent discharge lamps, high-intensity discharge lamps, flashlamps, arc lamps, and LEDs. It also discusses laser safety in detail, including the human eye, laser hazards, laser safety controls, maximum permissible exposure, laser safety glasses, and laser accidents. The laboratory experience at the end of the module will enhance the learner's…
This module covers the first of two main divisions of basic optics-geometrical (ray) optics. Module 1.4 covers physical (wave) optics. Geometrical optics will help you understand the basics of light reflection and refraction and the use of simple optical elements, such as mirrors, prisms, lenses, and fibers. Physical optics will help you understand the phenomena of light wave interference, diffraction,…
In this module, we concentrate on light waves and away from light rays, as covered in Module 1.3. In so doing, we move from a concern over the propagation of light energy along straight-line segments to one that includes the spreading of light energy-a fundamental behavior of all wave motion. With wave optics-commonly referred to as physical optics-we are able…
This module is an in-depth explanation of lasers as they apply to the larger field of optics and photonics. Anyone going through this module should have already completed Modules 1.1-1.4 and have a good working knowledge of algebra, exponents, and logarithms. Lasers are devices that amplify or increase the intensity of light to produce a highly directional, high-intensity beam that…
In this module, we describe some common optical detectors and their important characteristics. We do not cover the entire field of light detection, which is very broad. Instead, we emphasize those detectors that are most commonly encountered in photonics applications. The two main types of optical detectors are photon detectors and thermal detectors. Photon detectors produce one electron for each…
This module is an introduction to the basics of fiber optics, discussing especially the characteristics of optical fibers with regards to the fabrication of low-loss optical fibers and the room-temperature operation of semiconductor lasers in 1970. Within a brief span of 30 years, we are now in the fifth generation of optical fiber communication systems. Recent developments in optical amplifiers…
Fiber optics is a major building block in the telecommunication infrastructure. Its high bandwidth capabilities and low attenuation characteristics make it ideal for gigabit transmission and beyond. In this module, you will be introduced to the building blocks that make up a fiber-optic communication system. You will learn about the different types of fibers (and their applications), light sources and…
Electronic and electro-optic devices are frequently used to display images obtained from the computer processing of data. Images, or digital pictures, are generally two-dimensional data structures that convey spatial information to the viewer. Images are collected through various means, from digital cameras to laser radar scanning systems. Once stored in a computer, these images can be manipulated mathematically to accomplish…
Informational poster about the fundamental concepts of classical physics. It features Isaac Newton, James Maxwell, and their contributions to science; particularly, Newton’s laws of motions and electromagnetic wave theory. Poster #1 in the series of posters about quantum.
This course explores the principal tools that are used when working with light, such as lasers and other light sources, cameras, and sensors. Optical hardware and its constituent components will be studied, including fundamentals of lasers to gain media, pump sources, and mirror cavities; investigation of camera components and essential chemistry. Students will gain hands-on experience with industrial hardware and…
This guide contains activities using lenses, prisms and mirrors to create telescopes, periscopes, microscopes and kaleidoscopes. Other activities include finding focal length and understanding reflection, refraction and diffraction. Activities are marked by grade level.
This set of 4 brochures provides resources to military veterans who would like to pursue a career in the lasers and fiber optics industry. Veterans who completed training for any of the military occupational specialties listed on the brochures are excellent candidates for employment in this field. Each brochure provides a quick overview of the photonics industry and includes steps…
Designed to accompany Fundamentals of Light and Lasers, this Laboratory Manual was written to provide high schools a less expensive option for offering the Fundamentals of Light and Lasers course. It provides a wide variety of experiments that give students a hands-on approach to learning basic photonics concepts. Through these experiments, students sharpen their skills in making precise measurements and…
This guide is for high school administrators, counselors, and/or teachers who are looking for ways to provide their students with opportunities for a bright future in photonics—a fascinating, intellectually challenging, and fast-growing technical area.
Curriculum guide designed to support implementation and successful teaching of Photonics Systems Technicians program and courses. Contains some information to help colleges plan new PST programs. Provides assistance to faculty who will be developing laboratories and teaching courses in the PST curriculum.
This course addresses the basics of specification, manufacturing, and assessment of precision optics. It presents an introduction to quality assurance (QA) practices required to identify, inspect, and measure optical components. Materials and tools found in industrial optics fabrication and inspection shop are used in lecture demonstrations and laboratory experiments. Students will gain hands-on experience with these industrial materials and QA…
A reference guide to fiber optics, fiber optics testing, fiber optics links and networks developed by JDSU – a company that designs and manufactures products for optical communications networks. The topics include: principals of light transmission in fiber, losses, fiber characterization, testing, use of OTDR, dispersions, attenuation profiles, and fiber optics links. It can be used as a supplement reading…
A reference guide to fiber optics, fiber optics testing, fiber optics links and networks developed by JDSU – a company that designs and manufactures products for optical communications networks. The topics include: principals of light transmission in fiber, losses, fiber characterization, testing, use of OTDR, dispersions, attenuation profiles, and fiber optics links. It can be used as a supplement reading…
A reference guide to fiber optics, fiber optics testing, fiber optics links and networks developed by JDSU – a company that designs and manufactures products for optical communications networks. The topics include: principals of light transmission in fiber, losses, fiber characterization, testing, use of OTDR, dispersions, attenuation profiles, and fiber optics links. It can be used as a supplement reading…
This booklet features 24 exemplary photonics technicians inducted into the Photonics Alumni Council for Technicians (PACT) in 2016. The PACT book answers questions about the lives and careers of these technicians who graduated from community and technical colleges throughout the country.
This monograph presents successful job placement strategies in seven steps for community college instructors and their technician students based on recommendations from seasoned photonics educators and employers. Appendices include skill standards, career information, sample resume and cover letter, and advice from alumni.
Infographic developed by SPIE featuring the main applications of quantum: quantum sensing & metrology, quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum imaging. The poster describes different stages of technology readiness.
This document represents the consensus of a broad cross-section of U.S. employers regarding the technical and workplace skills required of entry-level photonics technicians. It details 7 critical work functions and 8 technical skills, which employers and educators can customize to meet local industry needs. It is designed to give educators and employer advisory committees a solid foundation for generating courses…
The National Skill Standards for Photonics Systems Technicians are intended to define the basic knowledge and skills of technicians who may work in any specific photonics application, such as fiber-optic communications, manufacturing/materials processing, defense/aerospace, medical equipment, university research labs, energy/environmental, integrated photonics, etc.
This monograph proposes a plan and describes a strategy for developing and maintaining strong, effective student recruitment to support program enrollment.
A brochure that categorizes all the different business sectors where a robotics and photonics technician could work. It lists the industries within each sector, the tasks of the technician, and the job title and average salary for each position. All of the information collected on this brochure is from the website O*NET Online which is sponsored by the Department of…
This flyer was created to assist students in the decision-making process of choosing a career by explaining the advantages of studying robotics and photonics. Highlighted on this flyer are the top reasons why students and graduates ultimately chose to pursue a degree in this field.
Wide Bandgap Semiconductors GaN, SiC module was created to introduce this emerging field in the engineering technology and related associate level curriculum.