There is an increasing need for technicians that have knowledge and skills in lasers, optics, and fiber-optics.  Two-year colleges are viewed as the primary institution nationally that can provide a solution to this problem by infusing optics and photonics technology as part of existing two-year applied technology degree programs.

Photonics (lasers, optics, LED’s and fiber optics) is an emerging technology that also enables “next generation” developments in areas such as telecommunications, manufacturing, nanotechnology, environmental science, homeland security, and biomedicine. OP-TEC has developed text/laboratory materials to support education and training for future and current technicians for applying photonics in these areas.

Course 1, Fundamentals of Light and Lasers, is a comprehensive study of photonics that was specifically written for AAS students enrolled in enabling technology programs or for employed technicians working in these same areas.  Course 2 deals with specific photonics systems and applies the principles presented in Course 1.  Additionally, the last three modules in Course 2 can be replaced with those in the Photonics Enabled Technology (PET) Series to customize this course for the enabling areas presented above.
 
To date, CORD has developed content and support materials for the first two courses, in addition to stand-alone modules relating to Photonics-Enabled Technologies (PET Series).

For additional information on OP-TEC: The National Center for Optics and Photonics Education, please visit www.op-tec.org.

The National Photonics Skill Standards for Technicians Available for free download at http://www.op-tec.org/Skill.php