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WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF PHOTONICS LASERS AND OPTICS TECHNOLOGY IN OUR DAILY LIFE Dr. Anca Sala, Mr. Harvey Vermeesch
WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF PHOTONICS
LASERS AND OPTICS TECHNOLOGY
IN OUR DAILY LIFE
Dr. Anca Sala, Mr. Harvey Vermeesch
What is Photonics?
Definition: The scientific study or application of electromagnetic energy whose basic unit is the photon.
Incorporating optics, laser technology, electrical engineering, materials science, and information storage and processing
2015 – A Big Year for Photonics
2015 was proclaimed the International Year of Light and Light-Based Technologies by the United Nations.
Events celebrating the International Year of Light took place all over the world last year.
Photonics in the Workplace High skill, High wage, High demand
High Skill Industries Using Photonics Agriculture
Communications
Defense
Energy
Manufacturing
Medical
Security
Photonics in Agriculture
Measuring Crop Health: Crop health and overall production can be measured by photonics technologies.
Safe Harvest: Ensuring that food, drink, and pharmaceuticals are all safe for consumption.
Infrared Sensing Technologies: used to determine the health of soil, nutrient content, and hydrology.
Ocean Optics: monitor the sugar content of fruits and vegetables.
Photonics in Communications
Light carries information very fast
High - speed data transmission
Very high bandwidth
Fiber optic networks
Data storage
Photonics in Defense
United States Military uses photonics in: ◦ Night vision equipment
◦ Laser range finders
◦ Target designators to direct weapons precisely
Determining the location of hostile forces using high-resolution images acquired from pilotless, unmanned systems
Utilize high-speed, secure, optical communications to receive intelligence
Intelligence and surveillance information
Keeping our Troops Safe from IEDs and
Missiles
IPG laser mounted on armored vehicle
to remotely take out IED charges
Mobile Tactical High Energy Lasers
(MTHEL) mounted on a truck to be a
mobile platform for rapid deployment of
missile defense
Photonics in Manufacturing
Lasers cut, weld, mark, surface treat nearly any conceivable material
Lasers and photonics devices are essential in quality control, high-speed robotic vision, and automation
Lasers used to inspect integrated circuits
Lasers used to manufacture cell phones and high-resolution displays
Fabricate LEDs, solar panels, medical tools, and all related industrial equipment
Powertrain Tailored Blanks
Components
Body Shop
Common Automotive Laser Welding Applications
IPG Photonics
Seating
Photonics in Medical
Lasers used in surgery, tattoo removal, cosmetic procedures, pain therapy and more
Aesthetic medical laser technician oOperate lasers in clinics, medical spas and
dermatologist offices
Medical laser repair technician oAssemble, ensure proper alignment, maintain
lasers
High Wage
Annual Average Starting salary:
2-year degreed photonics technician
National starting wage = $43,137 Midwest starting wage = $47,781
High Demand
Next 5 -year
Employment Outlook:
2-year degreed photonics technicians Nationally = 4,115 openings
Midwest Region = 725 openings
U.S. Colleges produce only 250 grads/year, vs. 800 technicians needed.
Photonics and the new High Powered Lasers are revitalizing the Automotive Manufacturing sector in Michigan.
A graduate from a Photonics program can find High Paying Careers in this state or out of state.
Companies in Michigan are often compelled to seek skilled Photonics Technicians and Engineers from out of the United States.
The Photonics industry in Michigan will only grow as manufacturing technologies continue to grow.
IPG Photonics – business partner of
Baker College
Career Opportunities for Photonics Technicians in Michigan
IMRA America IPG Photonics L-3 Comm/EO Tech Laser Mechanisms Lumen Flow Micro-LAM Technologies NoIR Laser Shields Precitec Rigaku Innovative Technologies Synchron Laser Thorlabs-UFO Trumpf Inc Visotek Inc
Advanced Photonix Arborlight Biophotonic Solutions Clark MXR Coherix Contour Metrological and Manufacturing Data Optics Dow Corning Corp Electro-Optics Technology EMAG Technology Fraunhofer USA
Baker College Associate Degree Photonics and Laser Technology
• Program started in fall 2013.
• Supported by grants from: •National Science Foundation
•Mi-Light, Michigan Photonics Cluster
• First graduates were recently hired by photonics companies in Michigan.
Program Curriculum • General Education: Composition I and II, Introductory Algebra, Human
Relations, Oral Communication, Workplace Communication, Technical Communication
• Math and Science: Intermediate Algebra, Trigonometry, Integrated Physics
• Electronics Fundamentals: Electrical Technology, DC Circuits, AC Circuits, Digital Circuits I, Solid State Devices I
• CAD: Introduction to 3-D Modeling
• Photonics Core: Intro to Photonics and Laser Technologies, Geometrical Optics, Wave Optics, Laser Fundamentals, Laser Systems, Optical Systems Analysis, Photonics Applications, Fiber Optics, Capstone Project
• Professional Career Strategies, Internship/Co-op
Optics and Photonics Laboratory at Baker College
Equipment includes different types of lasers, power and energy meters, spectrometers, beam profilers, high speed oscilloscopes, miscellaneous optical components, and optical tables.
Photonics Skills Taught
• Set-up and align a laser/optical system according to given specifications
• Optimize system parameters
• Perform necessary troubleshooting and maintenance of laser/optical systems
• Identify the correct optics for an intended application
• Follow proper methods for optical inspection and cleaning
Photonics Skills Taught continued
• Set-up and perform interferometric and other dimensional and displacement measurements per specifications
• Inspect surfaces for imperfections of optical components (scratch and dig test)
• Measure laser power output and laser beam characteristics
• Use test equipment including oscilloscope, power and energy meter, spectrum analyzer, beam profiler
Year 1 Electrical Technology
Year 1 DC Circuits
Year 1 AC Circuits
Year 2 Digital Circuits I
Year 2 Solid State Devices I
Year 2 Introduction to Photonics
Year 2 Fiber Optics
Photonics In Career and Technical Education
Possible courses in a two-year program
CTE Partnership Baker College of Flint
Articulation Opportunities: CAD program → 3-D Modeling course
Electronics program → Electrical Technology, DC/AC Circuits courses
Mechatronics → Electrical Technology, DC/AC Circuits courses
Computer Science → Fiber Optics course
Indicators for Student Success
• Interest in technology/high tech
• Math: algebra and trigonometry
• Physical sciences
• Mechanical aptitude
• Good eye-hand coordination
• Ability to think analytically
• Teamwork skills
Questions?
