Here is Explainthatstuff.com on Fiberoptics.
Refractive Index of Materials and Total Internal Reflection (scroll down for the pics!
![Smile :-)](./images/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif)
Why Does Light Slow Down in Water? (10:23) YouTube presentation.
For lasers & fiber-optics, you are encouraged to watch these Laser Fundamentals 1 (58min) and Fiber-Optic Fundamentals (54min) videos from MIT. These are fairly detailed, but do contain a wealth of information.
This video on Network Connectors (9:42) reviews the common connectors used on networks including wired & fiber-optic cabling. Not a lot of theory in this presentation, just a display of various connectors commonly used in network topologies.
Vacuum Systems
Before reading the next link: Definition of 1 bar of pressure from Wikipedia.
Fundamentals of Vacuum Theory - Part 1 from Vacaero.com
Here's a good read comparing Electron Beam and Laser Beam Welding from The Fabricator.
Universal Laser Systems - How Digital Laser Material Processing Works (2:44)
Electron Beam Welding from Wikipedia.
Some local companies you may have heard of:
Joining Technologies in East Granby, CT.
PTR - Precision Technologies in Enfield, CT.
Trumpf Germany, but locally in Farmington, CT.