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The Technology of the 21^st Century

“As electronics was the technology of the 20^th century, Photonics is the technology of the 21^st”
- Eric Van Stryland
President, Optical Society of America and Dean, UCF College of Optics & Photonics

Although the study of light has been underway for centuries, it is only in the last 40 years that optics and photonics has become a dominant field, with impact in almost every aspect of our lives, from entertainment, to medicine, to defense, to communications. In the 20^th century, electronics was the dominant influencing technology, enabled by optics. The 21^st century is the “Age of Light”, a century that will have optics and photonics as the dominant influencing technology, enabled in some cases by electronics.

Why Study Optics and Photonics?

Einstein is quoted as frequently saying after the initial formulation of the General Theory of Relativity, “For the rest of my life I want to reflect on what light is.” For those interested in science and engineering, the field of optics and photonics provides a wealth of interesting and challenging study opportunities, and a wide variety of satisfying career paths. From basic research to applied engineering, to manufacturing operations, almost every field of endeavor is or will be influenced by optics and photonics.

What are the career opportunities in optics and photonics?

A Graduate degree in optics and photonics science and engineering will prepare you for almost any career opportunity. A few examples:

Communications – telecom systems, cell phones, displays
Medicine – diagnostics, therapies, gene modification, drug development
Sensing – satellite and astronomical imaging, security systems, cameras
Manufacturing – process control, laser machining, semiconductor fab
Security and defense – guidance & control, displays, weapons
Research – university faculty, industrial & government scientist

What is a typical graduate optics & photonics curriculum?

Some schools offer courses as part of a degree in physics, electrical engineering, or other degrees. A few schools offer degrees in optical science and engineering. A typical course of study will include the following:

Electromagnetics
Physical optics
Geometric optics
Lasers & opto-electronics
Fiber optics
Radiometry
Fourier Optics and Imaging theory

What should I consider in choosing a graduate school?

There are several factors that will contribute significantly to your total educational experience:

Breadth and depth of courses offered in optics and photonics, but also in other departments at the host university
Quality and quantity of optics and photonics research conducted
Reputation of the faculty, and of the institution
Connection with industry, which provides insight into applications, emerging needs, possible internships & collaborations

Where can I find out more about optics and photonics graduate programs and career opportunities?

The international optical societies, particularly SPIE and OSA, provide a directory of programs. SPIE has a searchable directory on the web at www.opticseducation.org

Email us at gradprog@creol.ucf.edu