Expanding Photonics Education in the International Year of Light

摘要

The year 2015 has been proclaimed the International Year of Light and Light-Based Technologies by the United Nations General Assembly1. This global initiative will highlight the importance of light and optical technologies in promoting sustainable development and providing solutions to global challenges in energy, education, agriculture and health. Baker College has introduced an exciting, new program in Photonics and Laser Technology in fall 2013 with support from the National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (NSF ATE) program. The program is now completing its second year and graduating a first group of well-prepared photonics technicians ready for employment in the growing photonics industry in the state and across the US. The second year marked the successful completion of the program curriculum and further development of the Optics and Photonics Laboratory. Outreach activities included summer programs for high school and middle school students. The paper describes the outcomes of the two year project in relation to the objectives of the NSF ATE grant. Challenges and lessons learned along the way are discussed, together with plans for sustainability and future expansion of the program.