2020-2021 Catalog [ARCHIVED]
Laser Technology
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Dean: Debbie Vanschoelandt
Academic Chair: Matt Wolken
General Information
Nearly all modern devices interact with light. Laser Technology covers the creation and application of devices that use light. Such devices are ubiquitous in modern society, so students will be taught how these components and systems are designed, fabricated, integrated, aligned, and tested. These hands-on courses have a strong emphasis on laboratory activities, demonstrations, and real-world examples. Industrial-grade equipment is part of every class.
Laser Tech curricula have been developed in partnership with the National Science Foundation, based on direct industry feedback for the skills most in demand. Opportunities to network and earn internships with IVC’s large network of local industrial partners will be provided as part of this program via company presentations, field trips, and professional society interactions.
Courses are taught with two potential student groups in mind: new students with an inclination for applied technology and hardware interaction, and technical employees who seek certified training in the latest trends. Students will gain the applied skills necessary to immediately become a valuable technician in industry. These skills will help students succeed in a four-year engineering program and they will help to expedite graduate school lab work. Employed professionals will have opportunity to learn the skills necessary to advance their careers and master more technically demanding job duties.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of a laser technology certificate, students will be able to
- Assemble, align, and operate a laser system safely, per industrial ANSI Z136 standards.
- Select and configure a suitable optical source for an illumination application.
- Connect the circuitry required to operate an optical detector.
- Understand the differences in application among various optical display technologies.
- Characterize the imaging performance of a camera system.
- Test the quality of optical components, including lenses, mirrors, prisms, windows, and diffraction gratings.
- Understand the processes and tests required to turn raw materials into precision optics.
- Read and write technical drawings of precision optics per ISO 10110 standards.
Potential Careers
Examples of the industry segments hiring photonics technicians include the following:
- Laser System Technology
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Aerospace and Remote Sensing Technology
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Medical Equipment and Biomedical Devices
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Precision Optics Manufacturing (glass, polymers, metals, semiconductors)
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Electronics and Semiconductor Technology
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Camera and Detector Technology
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Entertainment, Illumination, and Performance Lighting Technology
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Chemical and Forensics Analysis
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Law Enforcement, Military, and Defense Technologies
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Robotics, Automation, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
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Telecommunications for Internet and Phone Services
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Interior and Exterior Automotive Lighting Technology
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Astronomical Applications of Telescope and Detector Technology
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Scientific Technical Services
ProgramsCertificate of AchievementCertificate of Proficiency
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