Optics & Photonics

Optics and Photonics is one of the most important new technologies of the twenty-first century. Photonics involves the practical application of light, optics, and electronics and has unlimited applications in today’s high-tech world. Lasers, fiber optics, CD/DVDs, holograms, bar-code scanners, LCD TVs, satellite imagery, environmental sensing, infrared imaging, nanotechnology, LASIK, laser surgery, photodynamic cancer therapy, and homeland security are just a few examples of the many applications of photonics technology. In the same way that electronics changed our lives in the 20th century, photonics will play a critical role in enabling manufacturing, medical, sensing, telecommunications, homeland security, and defense technologies in the 21st century. More photonics technicians are needed to ensure that the US maintains its global leadership in this rapidly growing field.

STCC’s LEOT program is designed to provide students with a solid working knowledge in a broad range of photonics areas including laser systems, electronics, optics, electro-optics, and fiber optics. Classroom lectures are supplemented with extensive hands-on laboratory experiences and real-world problem-solving activities designed to develop and enhance students’ problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Graduates of this program work in a wide variety of companies, both locally and nationally, involved in making lasers, integrating lasers into other products & systems, conducting research and development on next-generation laser-based applications, or who use lasers and laser-based systems in their manufacturing processes and other precision applications. Industries include fiber optics and telecommunications, manufacturing, medical, defense, homeland security, alternative energy, aerospace, research, and more.

Educational background: Applicants are advised that competency in algebra, trigonometry, and physics is important. Applicants without this background may take the prerequisite courses at STCC although this may lengthen the time needed to complete the degree program.

Graduates are often encouraged to pursue a bachelor’s degree upon completion of their associate’s degree. Students wishing to further their education in an engineering field should notify their STCC academic advisor early in their course of study so that arrangements can be made to facilitate the transfer process.