OP-TEC: Course Materials

Downloadable curricular materials developed by the National Center for Optics and Photonics Education (OP-TEC) designed to support optics, laser, and photonics education in high schools and two-year colleges, and the retraining of adult workers.

Laser Optics & Photonics Series

Course 1: Fundamentals of Light and Lasers, 3rd Edition

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.

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Module 1-1: Nature and Properties of Light
Module 1-2: Optical Handling and Positioning
Module 1-3: Light Sources and Laser Safety
Module 1-4: Basic Geometrical Optics
Module 1-5: Basic Physical Optics
Module 1-6: Principles of Lasers

Author(s): OP-TEC: National Center for Optics and Photonics Education

ISBN: 978-0-9998536-4-1

Publisher: OP-TEC

Year: 2018

Category: General Optics & Photonics

Recommended Grade Level: College – 2nd year

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Course 2: Laser Systems and Applications, 2nd Edition

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 technicians. Lasers are an “enabling technology,” which means that a wide variety of laser types are incorporated into systems for materials processing, medical applications, IT and communications, nanotechnology, defense, environmental monitoring, and other applications. Safety Precaution The lasers that are studied in this course are rated “Class IV” for safety purposes. All laboratory activities should consider the safety precautions specified in the module, which comply with ANSI Z-136.1 and ANSI Z-136.5 Laser Safety Standards for Educational Institutions. A faculty member of the educational institution is required to receive laser safety training for certification as the institution’s Laser Safety Officer.

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Course 2, Laser Systems and Applications, 2nd Edition, contains the following ten modules:
1. Laser Q-Switching, Mode Locking, and Frequency Doubling
2. Laser Output Characteristics
3. Laser Types and Their Applications
4. Carbon Dioxide Lasers and Their Applications
5. Fiber Lasers and Their Applications
6. Diode Lasers and Their Applications
7. Argon-Ion Lasers and Their Applications
8. Nd:YAG Lasers and Their Applications
9. Excimer Lasers and Their Applications
10. Systems Integration in Photonics

Features:

Complete indexes, located at the end of each module.
An “Acronym Glossary,” located at the back of the text.
Lab videos, showing setup, operation, safety precautions and some measurements.
Copies of all the figures used in the modules. A PDF and a PowerPoint version are available.
Student Assignment Videos: A listing of 5-8 minute videos that will further explain the content or demonstrate an application for each of the first 9 modules.
Student Assignment Questions for use with each video.

Laser Systems: Operating principles, output characteristics, diagnostics, and applications for the six most widely used laser types. All important lasers are described and classified according to their active medium, output wavelength, and applications.

Real-World Applications: Students want to know what skills and knowledge they will need to succeed in future jobs and what kinds of responsibilities they might be assigned in the workplace. This text has three features that address these interests and bring real-world context to its content.

Safety Considerations: Students must understand that a main consideration of any photonics technician is safety. Technicians working in the photonics industry are constantly exposed to a variety of radiation sources that can pose safety hazards. To eliminate or minimize these hazards, students must learn the safety protocols for these radiation sources and know how to implement them. To facilitate this learning, each module includes a special section called Safety Considerations. This section provides information on these protocols and explains to students technicians’ responsibilities in implementing them.

Troubleshooting Strategies: A prime skill that photonics technicians must master is troubleshooting. All students preparing for careers as photonics technicians need to study and practice the methodology of determining the source of failure in a system. The topic of troubleshooting is integrated throughout the course to provide students with basic strategies for determining the sources of failure in malfunctioning photonics systems and identifying common failure modes in various types of lasers. As they study these troubleshooting strategies, students will experience first-hand the work they will do as photonics technicians and will gain a sense of the skills and knowledge that employers will expect them to have.

Workplace Scenarios: These problem-based activities allow students to work in groups to generate solutions to problems that can arise in today’s photonics organizations. Students take on technician roles as they work together in teams to use the material in each module to develop strategies for completing assigned tasks. These activities also give students an opportunity to enhance their writing skills: many activities require a report written in the form of an e-mail message or memorandum.

Navigation Enhancements: Features and additions to supplement navigation within the text.

Acronym Glossary: A comprehensive listing of the acronyms found within Laser Systems and Applications. Acronyms are listed and defined in alphabetical order. The Acronym Glossary can be found after Module 2-10.

Module Indexes: Each module contains an alphabetical listing of terms and ideas contained within that module, and the page numbers where they can be found.

Author(s): University of Central Florida, National Center for Optics and Photonics Education

ISBN: 978-0-9858006-5-9

Publisher: OP-TEC

Year: 2016

Category: General Optics & Photonics

Recommended Grade Level: College – 2nd Year

Support Files:

Enhancements_and_Faculty_Tools_for_Course_2_Laser_Systems_and_Applications_2nd_Edition_2018

Integrated Photonics

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.

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Content covered includes:

Photonics Integrated Circuits Material and Fabrication Technologies
Silicon Photonics Integrated Circuits and Devices
III-V and Compound Semiconductor Devices
Dielectric and Polymer Waveguides and Waveguide Devices
Integrated Photonics Circuits and Systems

This course is an excellent introduction to integrated photonics, both for students and industry professionals looking to learn more about an expanding technology.

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Introduction to Lasers and Optics

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.

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Introduction to Lasers and Optics is an introductory course for students who have limited prior knowledge of lasers, optics, or photonics. The purpose of this course is to provide entering students with an overview of the technology and its applications. This modular course requires no prerequisites, and can be taught for one or two-credits in the first term. The course contains 15 modules that cover topics such as the spectrum of light, laboratory safety, polarization, mirrors and lenses, and more. These modules can be used all together or faculty can select the appropriate number of modules to fit the desired breadth and depth of study for the course. This course introduces the basic principles of light, lasers and laser safety that are needed to study specific types of laser systems. It also provides exposure to the topics that make up the foundation for studying the applications of lasers in telecommunications, electro-optical displays, biomedical equipment, manufacturing/materials processing, defense/homeland security, environmental monitoring, and nanotechnology.

There are seven laboratory demonstrations and activities that illustrate key concepts and support hands-on learning. It is recommended that the activities contained in this resource be set up by a teaching assistant or instructor and used to demonstrate concepts discussed in the modules of the course. The seven demonstrations are Spectrum of Light, The Polarization of Light, Optical Filters, Prisms and Lenses, Interference and Diffraction with a Single Slit, Interference and Diffraction with a Pinhole, and Beam Divergence.

A Reference Guide for Instructors is available for course instructors.

Author(s): OP-TEC: National Center for Optics and Photonics Education

ISBN: 978-0-9998536-0-3

Publisher: OP-TEC

Year: 2017

Category: General Optics & Photonics

Recommended Grade Level: College – 1st year

Introduction_to_Lasers_and_Optics_Reference_Guide_for_Instructors_2017

Photonics Lab Manual for High Schools

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 in collecting, organizing, and analyzing data. They have the opportunity to use optical components and equipment similar to those used in industry and science laboratories. The labs in this manual are supported by a much less expensive set of equipment than those in the text of Fundamentals of Light and Lasers. Though the equipment is less expensive, it still allows students to investigate the same physical concepts as those in the text and do so at the same level of rigor.

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Photonics Enabled Technologies Modules: Manufacturing

Laser Material Removal: Drilling, Cutting, and Marking

One of four modules pertaining to manufacturing as a photonics-enabled technology. Covers the ability of high-power lasers to vaporize and remove material, systems for material removal, and applications of material removal.

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Author(s): CORD Communications

ISBN
1-57837-396-4

Publisher: CORD

Year: 2008

Category: PET Module: Manufacturing

Laser Welding and Surface Treatment

One of four modules pertaining to manufacturing as a photonics-enabled technology. Covers the ability to use high-power lasers for welding, welding procedures, and applications, and the use of high-power lasers to heat and modify surfaces.

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Author(s): CORD Communications

ISBN
1-57837-395-6

Publisher: CORD

Year: 2008

Category: PET Module: Manufacturing

Lasers in Testing and Measurement: Alignment, Profiling, and Position Sensing

One of four modules pertaining to manufacturing as a photonics-enabled technology. Covers the use of lasers for industrial measurement, tracking & alignment, and metrology & inspection. Laser technology has found wide application in fabrication and construction processes where an accurate, easily accessible reference is needed.

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Author(s): CORD Communications

ISBN
1-57837-397-2

Publisher: CORD

Year: 2008

Category: PET Module: Manufacturing

Lasers in Testing and Measurement: Interferometric and Nondestructive Testing

One of four modules pertaining to manufacturing as a photonics-enabled technology. This module continues the discussion on the use of lasers for testing and measurement in an industrial environment. It emphasizes the use of interferometric and holographic principles for measurement and for nondestructive testing, as well as defect detection.

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Author(s): CORD Communications

ISBN
1-57837-398-0

Publisher: CORD

Year: 2008

Category: PET Module: Manufacturing

Photonics Enabled Technologies Modules: Forensic Science and Homeland Security

Imaging System Performance for Homeland Security

One of three modules pertaining to the imaging component in homeland security as a photonics-enabled technology. Covers the measurements used to evaluate imaging system performance as related to homeland security, resolution and MTF for optical and electro-optical systems, and industry standard methods for evaluating different systems.

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Author(s): CORD Communications

ISBN
1-57837-487-1

Publisher: CORD

Year: 2008

Category: PET Module: Forensic Science and Homeland Security

Infrared Systems for Homeland Security

One of three modules pertaining to the imaging component in homeland security as a photonics-enabled technology. Covers the theory of infrared light, infrared detector technologies, specific infrared systems and their applications, and measurement of the performance of infrared systems.

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Author(s): CORD Communications

ISBN
1-57837-486-3

Publisher: CORD

Year: 2008

Category: PET Module: Forensic Science and Homeland Security

Lasers in Forensic Science and Homeland Security

One of three modules pertaining to the imaging component in homeland security as a photonics-enabled technology. Covers the basics of laser light, laser types used in forensic science, laser fingerprint identification, photographing fingerprints, laser ablation and analysis of minute samples, miscroscopy in forensic science, laser-assisted DNA sequencing, biometrics, and 3D imaging.

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Author(s): CORD Communications

ISBN
1-57837-400-6

Publisher: CORD

Year: 2008

Category: PET Module: Forensic Science and Homeland Security

Photonics Enabled Technologies Modules: Biomedicine

Diagnostic Applications of Lasers

One of three modules that addresses the role of optics and lasers in the field of biomedicine, which is photonics-enabled technology. Covers the principles and applications of optical and laser scanning microscopes, confocal laser scaning, multiphoton microscopes, near field microscopes, optical coherence tomography, doppler velocimetry, medical tomography, holographic imaging, ballistic photon imaging, photo acoustic imaging, terahertz imaging, and photo biological techniques.

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Author(s): CORD Communications

ISBN
1-57837-491-2

Publisher: CORD

Year: 2008

Category: PET Module: Biomedicine

Lasers in Medicine and Surgery

One of three modules that addresses the role of optics and lasers in the field of biomedicine, which is photonics-enabled technology. Covers the process of absorption of laser light by human tissue, reflection of laser light by human tissue, tissue effects, commonly used lasers, delivery systems, laser accessories and applications, and the use of fiber optics in medicine.

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Author(s): CORD Communications

ISBN
1-57837-399-9

Publisher: CORD

Year: 2008

Category: PET Module: Biomedicine

Therapeutic Applications of Lasers

One of three modules that addresses the role of optics and lasers in the field of biomedicine, which is photonics-enabled technology. Covers medical lasers, beam delivery methods, laser types used in medicine, lasers in dermatology, lasers in ophthamology, lasers in cardiology, lasers in gynecology, and lasers in dentistry.

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Author(s): CORD Communications

ISBN
1-57837-490-1

Publisher: CORD

Year: 2008

Category: PET Module: Biomedicine

Photonics Enabled Technologies Modules: Environmental Monitoring

Basics of Spectroscopy

One of three modules pertaining to the role of laser spectroscopy as a photonics-enabled technology. Covers electromagnetic wave (EM) creation, the electromagnetic spectrum, particle properties of electromagnetic energy, energy levels and photons, spectra of light sources, regions of the optical spectrum, emission and absorption spectra, flourescence and phosphorescence, spectroscopic instruments, and applications of spectroscopy.

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Author(s): CORD Communications

ISBN
1-57837-501-0

Publisher: CORD

Year: 2008

Category: PET Module: Environmental Monitoring

Spectroscopy and Pollution Monitoring

Author(s): CORD Communications

ISBN
1-57837-492-8

Publisher: CORD

Year: 2008

Category: PET Module: Environmental Monitoring

Spectroscopy and Remote Sensing

One of three modules pertaining to the role of laser spectroscopy as a photonics-enabled technology. Covers general and specific types of spectroscopy, an overview of common spectroscopic instruments, remote sensing, EM radiation interaction with several Earth targes, passive & active sensing, photographic images vs digital images, remote sensing platforms, and satellite remote sensing systems.

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Author(s): CORD Communications

ISBN
1-57837-493-6

Publisher: CORD

Year: 2008

Category: PET Module: Environmental Monitoring

Photonics Enabled Technologies Modules: Optoelectronic

Photonics in Nanotechnology

Module that addresses the role of optics and lasers in the field of optoelectronics. Covers an overview of quantum, the use of photonics for fabrication of nanostructures, photonics for characterization, and photonics & nanotechnology joint ventures.

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Author(s): CORD Communications

ISBN
1-57837-485-5

Publisher: CORD

Year: 2008

Category: PET Module: Optoelectrics

Photonics in Nanotechnology Measurement: A study of Atomic Force Microscopy

Author(s): CORD Communications

ISBN
1-57837-485-5

Publisher: CORD

Year: 2008

Category: PET Module: Optoelectrics

Photonics Principles in Photovoltaic Cell Technology

Module that addresses the role of photonics in photovoltaics and solar energy. Covers an introduction to solar cells, manufacturing of photovoltaic cells, photovoltaic modules, solar collection, electrical behavior of photovoltaics, utilizing photovoltaic technology, and applications of photovoltaics.

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Author(s): CORD Communications

ISBN
1-57837-548-7

Publisher: CORD

Year: 2009

Category: PET Module: Optoelectrics

Precision Optics Series

Quality Assurance of Precision Optics

A standards-based course that provides an introduction to quality assurance practices required to identify, inspect, and measure optical components. The three instructional modules contained in this course are designed for use by students and instructors involved in the preparation of technicians in the area of precision optics fabrication and photonics. Educators can use this course as an introduction for an AAS program in precision optics fabrication and as an elective in an AAS laser electro-optics program. Corporate trainers can use it in programs designed to retrain or update the skills of engineering technicians who are already employed. This course can also support dual-credit offerings for high school students in STEM career pathways. The National Center for Optics and Photonics Education (OP-TEC) developed this course under NSF ATE Grant Number DUE-1144377. Content specifications were determined from the 2nd Edition of the National Precision Optics Skill Standards for Technicians. Includes modules on: Fabrication of Precision Optics; Characterization of Optical Materials and Precision Optics; Specifications and Drawings for Precision Optics.

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Author(s): OP-TEC: National Center for Optics and Photonics Education

ISBN: 978-0-9858006-3-5

Publisher: University of Central Florida

Year: 2013

Category: General Optics & Photonics

Recommended Grade Level: College – 2nd year

Support Files:

PPT: QAPO_Figures_and_Images_Module_1_Fabrication_of_Precision_Optics
PDF: QAPO_Figures_and_Images_Module_1_Fabrication_of_Precision_Optics
PPT: QAPO_Figures_and_Images_Module_2_Characterization_of_Optical_Materials
PDF: QAPO_Figures_and_Images_Module_2_Characterization_of_Optical_Materials
PPT: QAPO_Figures_and_Images_Module_3_Specifications_and_Drawings_for_Precision_Optics
PDF: QAPO_Figures_and_Images_Module_3_Specifications_and_Drawings_for_Precision_Optics

Metrology of Optical Systems

A standards-based course that provides an introduction to measurement and testing techniques used to determine the overall quality of an optical system’s performance. The three instructional modules contained in this course are designed for use by students and instructors involved in the preparation of technicians in the area of precision optics fabrication and photonics. Educators can use this course as an introduction for an AAS program in precision optics fabrication and as an elective in an AAS laser electro-optics program. Corporate trainers can use it in programs designed to retrain or update the skills of engineering technicians who are already employed. This course can also support dual-credit offerings for high school students in STEM career pathways. The National Center for Optics and Photonics Education (OP-TEC) developed this course under NSF ATE Grant Number DUE-1144377. Content specifications were determined from the 2nd Edition of the National Precision Optics Skill Standards for Technicians. Includes modules on: Optical Systems Parameters and Performance Metrics; Non-Interferometric Measurement of Optical Performance; Using Interferometry to Measure Precision Optics.

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Author(s): OP-TEC: National Center for Optics and Photonics Education

ISBN: 978-0-9858006-4-2

Publisher: University of Central Florida

Year: 2015

Category: General Optics & Photonics

Recommended Grade Level: College – 2nd year

Support Files:

PDF: MOS_Figures_and_Images_for_Instructors_Module_1_Optical_System_Parameters
PPT: MOS_Figures_and_Images_for_Instructors_Module_1_Optical_System_Parameters
PPT: MOS_Figures_and_Images_for_Instructors_Module_2_Non_Interfererometric_Measurement
PDF: MOS_Figures_and_Images_for_Instructors_Module_2_Non_Interfererometric_Measurement
PPT: MOS_Figures_and_Images_for_Instructors_Module_3_Using_Interferometry_to_Measure
PDF: MOS_Figures_and_Images_for_Instructors_Module_3_Using_Interferometry_to_Measure

Mathematics Materials

Essential Mathematics for Engineering Technicians

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; Introductory Algebra/Geometry/Trig; Powers & Roots/Ratio & Proportion; Exponents & Logarithms; Graphing; Angle Measures in Two & Three Dimensions; Special Graphs; Sinusoidal motion; Complex numbers.

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Author(s): CORD / OP-TEC

ISBN:

PDF: 978-0-9903125-4-3

Publisher: OP-TEC / University of Central Florida

Year: 2015

Category: Math Supplements

Scientific Notation
Unit Conversion
Introductory Algebra
Powers and Roots
Ratio and Proportion
Exponents and Logarithms
Graphing in Rectangular Coordinates
Geometry
Angle Measures in Two and Three Dimensions
Trigonometry
Special graphs
Sinusoidal Motion
Complex Numbers

The material in Mathematics for Engineering Technicians is intended for use by ET faculty to assist their students in understanding technical concepts and acquire problem-solving skills.

Mathematics for Photonics Education Supplemental Text

A student review and study guide to help aspiring photonics technicians begin their studies with adequate math skills.

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Topics Include:

Scientific Notation & Unit Conversion
Introductory Algebra/Geometry/Trig
Powers & Roots/Ratio & Proportion
Exponents & Logarithms
Graphing
Angle Measures in Two & Three Dimensions

Author(s): CORD

ISBN:

1-57837-352-2

Publisher: CORD

Year: 2003

Category: Math Supplements

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License