LASER-TEC Executive Report
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LASER-TEC has developed resources, shaped college policies, leveraged partnerships, and hosted numerous events to address the shortage of qualified Laser and Fiber Optics (LFO) technicians across the southeastern United States.
Impact on:
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Sources: the National Academy of Science & the National Photonics Initiative
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Founded on a successful collaboration of colleges, technical centers, universities, laser and fiber optics companies, and professional organizations and lead by a knowledgeable leadership team and dedicated staff, LASER-TEC is accomplishing substantial results in all established goal areas. Dedicated to improving laser and fiber optics education in the southeast and nationwide, the Center has launched extensive initiatives in curriculum and professional resource development and has increased student outreach and public awareness. |
“Providing opportunities for both young and experienced Americans to become students of optics and photonics is the only way to ensure that next-generation technology is developed in the United States.” |
Academics
10 new courses
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13 new modules
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14,714 student semester hours
10 New/Updated Courses
• Intro to Photonics • Fiber Optics & Data Communications (videos & labs under development) • Geometrical Optics • Laser Technologies • Biomedical Electronics • Solar Thermal Systems • Solar Photovoltaic Systems • Photonics Technology • Photonics Applications • Laser Applications |
36 partner colleges
10 New/Updated Modules
3 Modules Under Development
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LASER-TEC College Network
36 colleges across the US
LASER-TEC colleges are at different stages of LFO program development. To track their advancement, we use a three-phase classification system which includes preliminary, development, and implementation phases.
Students
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From the beginning, the Center has worked diligently to increase LFO students’ enrollment and has achieved a sustained 146% increase since its inception. During this period, the annual output of LFO graduates in the southeastern United States nearly tripled. Today, over 300 LASER-TEC graduates support the LFO technology in areas such as biomedical, semiconductor, telecommunications, advanced manufacturing, and defense.
LASER-TEC has developed remediation pathways for applicants to better prepare them for the LFO programs and ensure strong retention and graduation rates. Enhanced cohort-based program design and continuous student support provided by student academic coaches have resulted in average 95% retention rates in the Indian River State College Electronics Engineering Technology and Central Carolina Community College (CCCC). Laser Technology graduates receive one or more job and employment offers prior to graduation. The Center has facilitated the expansion of diversity in the LFO workforce pipeline. Carefully tailored recruitment strategies and partnerships with local, state, and national organizations supporting underrepresented groups, veterans, unemployed, or underemployed have resulted in enrichment of EET college programs. Specifically, 45% of the Indian River State College photonics cohort of 91 students and 28% of the 267 students enrolled across all LASER- TEC programs during 2018-2019 are from populations historically underrepresented in STEM fields. In 2019 the number of female students in LASER-TEC colleges tripled to 30. Enrollment by veterans nearly quadrupled increasing from eight in 2013 to 31 in 2019. |
Percentage of students from underrepresented groups
Percentage of increase in
student enrollment |
Professional Development
FOR K-12 TEACHERS
LASER-TEC has developed and hosted professional enhancement for secondary school STEM teachers. The Lasers and Fiber Optics workshops are focused on advancing educator technical expertise in these cutting-edge technologies. A total of 351 secondary and post-secondary teachers participated in 27 workshops, benefiting over 30,000 students during the period of this grant.
FOR COLLEGE FACULTY
To ensure sustainability and growth of LFO programs, LASER-TEC continuously offer professional development for college faculty. From attending subject-specific conferences, to participating in workshops and seminars hosted by LASER-TEC, faculty have a variety of tools to advance their technical knowledge in LFO. During the period of this grant, 58 college instructors from 22 colleges participated in LASER-TEC workshops. LASER-TEC has collaborated with two other NSF ATE Centers, AMTEC (KY) and CARCAM (AL), and hosted workshops about the LFO applications and Laser Safety in the automotive and aircraft manufacturing industry.
FOR THE INDUSTRY
The Center has strengthened the LFO incumbent workforce by providing professional development opportunities eligible for industry-recognized continuous education credits, with total of 152 workers receiving LASER-TEC training in fiber optics, laser technologies, telecommunications, and IP data networks. LASER-TEC training is developed and facilitated in partnership with global industry leaders such as Northrop Grumman, Corning Cable Systems, Fluke Networks, Transition Networks, NextEra Energy, PCS Fiber, Synoptics, Notora, Spider Cloud, and others.
Industry
The Center has organized and facilitated 51 on-campus or on-site hiring sessions for 18 LFO companies. This effort enabled industry to acquire qualified workforce, while providing graduates with opportunities of gainful employment. By the end of year five, 48 LFO companies have hired more than 200 LASER-TEC graduates who are working in different sectors of the economy and in almost all 50 states.
Major LASER-TEC Contributors:
Spectroscopy: Wasatch Photonics, Ocean Optics
Laser Applications: MegaWatt Lasers, Synoptics, IPG Photonics
Fiber Optics: PCS Fiber, Corning Optical Systems, Anixter, Transition Networks
LASER-TEC continues a very strong corroboration with the Industry Network and Industry Advisory Board. Three surveys revealing the most relevant skills and knowledge have been distributed to LFO companies in the southeast. Currently, the network consists of 162 companies and 7 other organizations. Enhanced communication with industry members ensures that their insights guide LASER-TEC in the development and sustainment of a pipeline of qualified LFO technicians.
Public Engagement & Outreach
The Center has undertaken a big initiative to bring awareness of the latest developments in LFO opportunities to students, parents, and the general public. During the extent of this grant, the Center hosted 523 events with an estimated 39,686 participants.
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Student Camps
The Center has made a special emphasis on the continuous and long-term interaction with students. We offer a series of boot camps to middle- and high school students year-round to help them stay engaged with LFO and get ready for their college pursuit. LASER-TEC student boot camps are hosted at Indian River State College (FL), Tri-County Technical College (SC) and Central Carolina Community College (NC). Each LASER-TEC camp consist of minimum 16 contact hours.
A total of 466 young campers ages 8 to 17 discovered and explored electronics, lasers, LEDs, fiber optics, robotics, programming with Arduino, prototyping of circuit designs, and many other cutting-edge technologies. The Center has developed the content the kits for 6 different camps and has offered 43 camp sessions.
A total of 466 young campers ages 8 to 17 discovered and explored electronics, lasers, LEDs, fiber optics, robotics, programming with Arduino, prototyping of circuit designs, and many other cutting-edge technologies. The Center has developed the content the kits for 6 different camps and has offered 43 camp sessions.
Camps:
Tech Like A Girl (in partnership with AAUW)
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Coding with Arduino Bootcamp - Visible Light Spectrum
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Laser and Fiber Optics
Electronics Maker Bootcamp
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Coding with Arduino Bootcamp - Wireless Technologies
Coding with Arduino Bootcamp - Game Programming
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Products
LASER-TEC has developed a collection of product items that support LFO education and training.
TEXT AND LABORATORY BOOKS
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Light and Optics Exploration Demonstration Lesson Plans - Instructor Edition
Description A step-by-step instructional book that assists teachers in introducing the applied sciences of lasers and optics to their STEM classes. These lesson plans accompany the Light and Optics Exploration Kit. Available resources Teacher’s PowerPoint of supplementary images Educational level and use It is most commonly used in middle and high school STEM classrooms, but it is also suitable at the college level. It can also be used in K-12 camps and outreach activities. |
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Light and Optics Experiment Book
Description The Light and Optics Experiment Book includes 23 experiments that guide students in the exploration of the fundamentals of geometrical and wave optics, lasers, laser safety, optical alignment, and experimental data analysis. Suggested educational level and use High School Physics, AP, or Honor Physics courses CTE STEM Academies Colleges and Vocational Schools with introductory Photonics/Lasers courses Colleges or Universities teaching Physics to non-physics majors. |
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Fiber Optics for Technologists Textbook
Description 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. Available resources Power Point slides Test-bank Videos Educational level and use It can be used as a textbook for a course at college or university level with emphasis on hands-on training. It can also be used for short- or long-term industrial training. Light and Optics Exploration Demonstration Lesson Plans - Student Edition
Description A student version of the Lesson Plans that was developed for students to use as a workbook to reinforce the concepts learned during the demonstrations. Available resources Teacher’s PowerPoint of supplementary images Educational level and use It is most commonly used in middle and high school STEM classrooms, but it is also suitable at the college level. It can also be used in K-12 camps and outreach activities. |
LABORATORY KITS
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Light and Optics Exploration Kit
Description A versatile, low-cost kit that contains all the tools and materials necessary to introduce the fundamentals of lasers and fiber optics to students. A total of 15 demonstrations can be conducted by utilizing the Light and Optics Exploration Demonstration Lesson Plans. Educational level and use It is most commonly used in middle and high school STEM classrooms, but it is also suitable at the college level. It can also be used in K-12 camps and outreach activities. |
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Light and Optics Experiment Kit Description The contents inside of this kit can be used to conduct over 18 experiments in the areas of geometric optics, wave optics, and laser basics. Included in this kit is the Light and Optics Experiment Book which covers a total of 23 experiments. Educational level and use It is recommended that this kit be used in high school physics courses, CTE STEM academies, colleges, and vocational schools. |
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Laser-Enabled Security System Description A kit that allows students to build their own laser-enabled security system. It includes two mirrors, one red laser, one photo sensor equipped with an alarm, and one treasure figurine. It provides a tangible example of a laser application. Available resources A How-to-use instructional video, available on LASER-TEC YouTube. Educational level and use This kit is designed for the K-12 level and can be used in classroom activities and outreach events. It can improve students’ abilities to problem-solve and troubleshoot while enhancing soft skills, too. |
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Green Laser Pointer with IR Filter Description A green (532 nm) laser pointer with an infrared filter that reduces the IR power output to eye-safe levels. Available resources Laser safety manual Educational level and use It can be used as a pointer at all educational levels. It is also used a laser source in the Light and Optics Exploration kits |
MODULES OR BOOK CHAPTERS
1. Enhanced Spectroscopy
Description
A course module on absorption, emission, and Raman spectroscopy
Available resources
College, vocational schools, industry training
2. Light Emitting Diodes
Description
A course module about fundamentals of semiconductor theory, light emitting diodes, their characteristics, colorimetry, photomentry, and LED testing.
Available resources
College, vocational schools, industry training
3. Thermoelectric Device Measurement Lab
Description
A course module about basics of thermoelectric devices and technology.
Available resources
College, vocational schools, industry training
4. Solid-State Laser Crystal Manufacturing
Description
A course module about manufacturing solid-state lasers and processes in growing solid-state crystals.
Available resources
College, vocational schools, industry training
5. Field Service Engineering
Description
A course module about general aspects in field service engineering, skills sets, attributes, and career paths.
Available resources
College, vocational schools, industry training
6. High Energy Pulsed Solid-State Laser Design and Testing
Description
A course module about designing and testing high-energy pulsed solid state laser systems.
Available resources
College, vocational schools, industry training
Description
A course module on absorption, emission, and Raman spectroscopy
Available resources
- Pdf documents about spectroscopy concepts and applications, different types of spectroscopy, instrumentation, lab activities on measuring absorbance and light source emission developed and by Ocean Optics and BWTek.
- A power point on Raman spectroscopy and applications.
- An instructional video about Raman spectroscopy using Wasatch Photonics Spectrometer.
College, vocational schools, industry training
2. Light Emitting Diodes
Description
A course module about fundamentals of semiconductor theory, light emitting diodes, their characteristics, colorimetry, photomentry, and LED testing.
Available resources
- 11 power point presentations
College, vocational schools, industry training
3. Thermoelectric Device Measurement Lab
Description
A course module about basics of thermoelectric devices and technology.
Available resources
- 2 power point presentations
College, vocational schools, industry training
4. Solid-State Laser Crystal Manufacturing
Description
A course module about manufacturing solid-state lasers and processes in growing solid-state crystals.
Available resources
- 1 power point presentation
- 4 pdf documents, student text
College, vocational schools, industry training
5. Field Service Engineering
Description
A course module about general aspects in field service engineering, skills sets, attributes, and career paths.
Available resources
- 1 power point presentation
College, vocational schools, industry training
6. High Energy Pulsed Solid-State Laser Design and Testing
Description
A course module about designing and testing high-energy pulsed solid state laser systems.
Available resources
- 1 power point presentation
College, vocational schools, industry training
EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS
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Fiber Optics for Technologists Video Series
Description A series of 6 fiber optics video lectures on a variety of topics covered in the Fiber Optics for Technologists textbook. Available resources Video files are available on LASER-TEC YouTube Educational level and use Colleges, vocational schools, industry training |
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Instructions for the Laser-Enabled Security System Description A tutorial that demonstrates how to assemble the laser-enabled security system. It includes laser safety information, component identification, step-by-step instructions, and testing the activated system. Available resources Video files are available on LASER-TEC YouTube Educational level and use Middle schools, high schools, colleges, vocational schools |
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Projects with Arduino Description A series of “how-to” video lectures for student Arduino projects Available resources Video files will be available shortly on LASER-TEC YouTube Educational level and use Middle schools, high schools, CTE programs, colleges, vocational schools |
POSTERS
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Diode Lasers Description 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. Available resources High resolution pdf file available for download Educational level and use High schools, colleges, vocational schools Fiber Lasers Description Informational poster about fiber lasers. It features general definitions, energy level diagram, advantages, common applications, various configurations and structure of fiber lasers. Available resources High resolution pdf file available for download Educational level and use High schools, colleges, vocational schools Helium–Neon Lasers Description 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. Available resources High resolution pdf file available for download Educational level and use High schools, colleges, vocational schools Nd:YAG Lasers Description Informational poster about Nd:YAG lasers. It features general definitions, energy level diagram, advantages, common applications, structure of a modular educational Nd:YAG laser, functionality of its components, technical data and graphs specific to Nd:YAG lasers. Available resources High resolution pdf file available for download Educational level and use High schools, colleges, vocational schools Laser Safety Description 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 human eye. Available resources High resolution pdf file available for download Educational level and use High schools, colleges, vocational schools |
OUTREACH HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES
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Diffraction of Light
Description A hands-on demonstration about white light and the visible light spectrum of colors. Available resources
Educational level and use K-12 schools Polarization of Light Description A hands-on demonstration about light polarization and optically active materials. Available resources
Educational level and use K-12 schools Fiber Optic Lamp Description A build-your-own fiber optics lamp that teaches students about light, electronics, and fiber optics. Available resources
Educational level and use K-12 schools |
K-12 BOOTCAMP KITS
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Arduino I: Visible Light Spectrum Kit
Description An introductory kit that gives students the opportunity to discover the Arduino and its capability to interact with code and electronics components. It contains all supplies necessary to complete 18 Arduino-based projects. Available resources
Educational level and use This kit is suitable for students ages 12 and older. It can be used in a class or a camp. Arduino II: Wireless Technologies Kit Description A kit that focuses on wireless technology applications of the Arduino microcontroller. It supports 7 intermediate-level projects that explore topics such as sound waves, the programming concept called arrays, and the area of radio frequency. Available resources
Educational level and use This kit is suitable for students ages 12 and older. It can be used in a class or a camp. Arduino III: Game Programming Kit Description A kit designed for students to use the Arduino microcontroller to create functioning models of retro video games. It supports 8 advanced-level projects and includes the integration of the programming language Java as well as C++. Available Resources
Educational level and use This kit is suitable for students ages 12 and older. It can be used in a class or a camp. Electronics Maker Kit Description A kit that introduces students to soldering, desoldering, breadboarding, and electronics circuitry. Projects in this kit explore electronics concepts like polarity, resistance, and frequency. Available Resources
Educational level and use This kit is suitable for students ages 12 and older. It can be used in a class or a camp. |
INFORMATIONAL FLYERS
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Photonics Careers for Military Veterans Brochures Description 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 to enroll in college classes. Available resources Webpage with links to education benefits and programs in optics and photonics Educational level and use It would be appropriate to display these brochures at Veteran’s Affairs offices of colleges with photonics programs and at military Transition Assistance Program (TAP) offices. Where do Robotics and Photonics Technicians Work Brochure Description 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 Labor. Educational level and use K-12 schools, colleges with photonics programs Why Study Robotics and Photonics Flyer Description 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. Educational level and use K-12 schools, colleges with photonics programs |
Summary
Comprised of colleges, technical centers, universities, laser and fiber optics companies, professional organizations, and lead by a knowledgeable leadership team and dedicated staff, LASER-TEC was able to accomplish significant results in all established goals. Laser-focused on improving the laser and fiber optics education in the southwest and nationwide, the Center has launched wide-spectrum initiatives in curriculum, professional and resource development, as well as in increasing student outreach and public awareness. We hope to continue our efforts in the following years and maintain the U.S. global leadership role in the field of light-based technologies.
